Successful Conclusion of the 7th China-CEEC Local Leaders' Meeting in Shandong

Successful Conclusion of the 7th China-CEEC Local Leaders' Meeting

From May 25 to 29, 2026, the picturesque province of Shandong hosted the 7th China–CEEC Local Leaders' Meeting alongside the 2026 Shandong International Friendship Cities Cooperation and Exchange Week. This significant event was spearheaded by the Shandong Provincial People's Government, underscoring the commitment to fostering international relations and collaborative opportunities among countries.

The gathering attracted over 600 guests hailing from 44 different nations and 15 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities across China. This global assembly aimed at advancing mutual cooperation and sharing future opportunities aligned with the central theme of the event: "Shaping the Future Together."

The week-long event featured an impressive agenda, comprising 23 distinct activities, including the Opening Ceremony, China–CEEC Local Leaders’ Dialogue, Governors’ Dialogue, High-Quality Development Promotion Session, and engaging Business Matchmaking sessions. These activities were meticulously crafted to facilitate comprehensive exchanges and foster deeper cooperation between Shandong and Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs), as well as enhance partnerships with international friendship cities.

Distinguished leaders from various nations attended the opening ceremonies and contributed remarks that set the tone for collaborative dialogues. Notable attendees included Ivan Stoilkovikj, Deputy Prime Minister of North Macedonia; Adrijana Mesarović, Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia; Marinko Čavara, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina; and Mirsad Nurković, Vice-President of the Parliament of Montenegro. These notable figures not only stressed the importance of diplomatic relations but also shared visions for collective growth and advancement.

A special 'friends talk' session and an outcome release announcement were pivotal moments that highlighted the tangible results and opportunities emerging from the local cooperation initiatives between China and CEECs, along with partnerships established with Shandong's international friendship cities. The rich exchanges during this segment served to reinforce the foundational ties and amplify collaborative efforts.

The event was marked by its high-level engagement, showcasing diverse perspectives and grounded in practical outcomes. It played a crucial role in deepening exchanges and opening up fresh cooperation channels, ultimately leading to mutual benefits for all involved parties. As a testament to its success, Shandong established friendly and cooperative ties with multiple regions, including the Minsk Region of Belarus, Ionian Islands Region of Greece, Maritime Region of Togo, and Jizzakh Region of Uzbekistan.

Furthermore, Shandong's network of international friendships has seen significant expansion, now accommodating 93 pairs of friendship provinces and states as well as 681 pairs of friendship cities across 109 countries. To commemorate Shandong’s extensive friendship relations, several celebration events were organized in honor of the partnerships forged with South Australia and Connecticut.

The closing of the meeting also marked the inauguration of the China–Greece Joint Laboratory focused on Smart Green Agriculture, a project that symbolizes future collaboration and innovation between the two regions, showcasing the commitment to sustainability and technology advancement in agriculture and other sectors.

In summary, the 7th China–CEEC Local Leaders' Meeting not only showcased Shandong's growing role as a leader in international relations but also highlighted the region's ambitions for future cooperative endeavors that promise mutual growth and prosperity.