China, U.S. to promote transfer of giant panda pair to San Francisco by 2025

(ECNS) -- China Wildlife Conservation Association and the San Francisco Zoo signed a cooperation intention agreement on Friday morning in Beijing, aiming to make sure a pair of giant pandas arrive in San Francisco by 2025.

The two sides agree to maintain close communication, support each other, carry out pre-preparation work in accordance with the requirements and technical standards of international cooperation on giant panda conservation, and promote the formal signing of the cooperation agreement as soon as possible, according to the association.

Pandas have long been a symbol of U.S.-China friendship.

Giant pandas Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and their male cub Xiao Qi Ji (meaning "little miracle" in Chinese), who had been residing in the United States for several years, left Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C. last November.

After Mei Xiang's family returns home, the U.S. still hosts four giant pandas who live in Zoo Atlanta and will continue to be the bridge of friendship connecting people in China and the U.S.