From September 11 to 15, 2024, the 8th APGN Symposium was held in Cao Bang UGGp, Vietnam. Headed by Mr. SHAO Jiusi, the director of Lushan UGGp Administration Committee, Lushan UGGp delegation was invited to participate the conference. On September 12, 2024, on behalf of Lushan UGGp, Mr. SHAO Jiusi signed the twin geopark MOU with the  Langkawei UGGp of Malaysia . The newly signed geoparks agreed to have more cooperation on geo-heritage conservation, geo-science education, geo-tourism, and will visit and exchange with each other. Lushan will actively promote the establishment of twin city with Langkawi.

    The twin geopark signing ceremony between Lushan UGGp, China and Langkawei UGGp, Malaysia was held in Cao Bang UGGp Provincial Convention Center, Viet Nam. Mr. SHAO Jiushi, Director of Lushan UGGp Administration Committee, China and Ms. Dato' Haslina binti Abdul Hamid, Chief Executive Officer of Langkawi Development Authority, Director of Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark, signed the twin geopark MOU on behalf of Lushan UGGp and Langkawi UGGp respectively. Mr. HE Qingcheng, executive deputy director of China National Geoparks Network Center, and Professor Ibrahim Kumoo, Deputy Director of Global Geopark Network, AC Member and Vice Coordinator of APGN witnessed the signing ceremony.

     Mr. SHAO Jiusi said, as the first UGGp in Southeast Asia and the host geopark of the next Asia Pacific Geopark Network Symposium, the Langkawi UGGp has rich cultural heritage represented by her traditional architecture and grain storage facilities, and has achieved significant achievements in natural and cultural heritage conservation, geo-science research and education, and tourism industry development. Lushan and Langkawi both have long history,rich culture, superior location and transportation, beautiful ecological environment, and excellent industrial foundation, providing favorable conditions and common aspirations for further  mutual exchanges and communication. Lushan is willing to closely engage in in-depth exchanges and cooperation with Langkawi Island (Langkawi) in the fields of economy, culture, tourism, heritage protection, etc., establish a friendly city cooperation relationship, and promote the economic and social development of the two geoparks.

     Ms. Dato' Haslina binti Abdul Hamid said, as one of the first members of GGN(Global Geopark Network), Lushan is well-known for its multi-genetic landforms, which are composed of quaternary glaciation, horst fault block mountain and metamorphic core complex structure relics, with rich and colorful natural ecological diversity and cultural diversity. Her landforms are closely related to ecology, culture, and history. Her long and splendid history and culture, the achievements in the research and protection of geological heritage, tourism industry, cultural inheritance, as well as the cultural genes of diversity, inclusiveness, and openness, are commendable.Langkawi and Lushan shares many similarities and expect to enhance comprehensive exchanges and cooperation. She invited Lushan UGGp delegation to visit the Langkawi UGGp, so as to promote practical cooperation between two geoparks in a wider range of fields and at a deeper level.

      Langkawi UGGp is the first global geopark in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. It was officially approved as a UNESCO Global Geopark by the UNESCO Executive Board in 2007. She is famous as an historical trade route in South East Asia, and for its beautiful island scenery, unique geological landscapes, lush forests, spectacular waterfalls, and a wide variety of fauna and flora.

      Lushan UGGp and Langkawi UGGp are both internationally renowned scenic tourist areas and global geoparks. The cooperation agreement signing signifies the establishment of a cooperation mechanism of enhancing cultural exchange and understanding between Lushan and Langkawi to promote information sharing and joint promotion in geopark management, geological heritage protection, tourism resource development, scientific research and popularization, tourism marketing, local economic development, and achieving sustainable economic and social development so as to enhance the sustainable development of global geopark network and geoparks.