Successful Conclusion of the 7th China-CEEC Local Leaders Meeting in Shandong 2026

The 7th China–CEEC Local Leaders' Meeting and International Friendship Cities Exchange Week

The 7th Local Leaders' Meeting between China and Central and Eastern European countries (China-CEEC) and the 2026 Shandong International Friendship Cities Cooperation and Exchange Week took place from May 25 to 29, 2026. Hosted by the People's Government of Shandong Province, the event attracted over 600 guests including representatives from 44 countries and 15 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities across China. The main aim was to foster collaboration, harness opportunities, and collectively shape a brighter future for all involved.

Under the theme "Working Together for a Shared Future," the event featured 23 different activities, including an opening ceremony, dialogues between local leaders from China and CEEC, and sessions focused on promoting high-quality development and business matchmaking. These initiatives were designed to enhance exchanges and cooperation between Shandong, the CEEC nations, and their friendly international cities, paving the way for mutually beneficial cooperation at higher levels.

Several prominent guests graced the opening ceremony with their presence. Among them were Ivan Stoilkovikj, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Inter-Municipal Relations from North Macedonia, Adrijana Mesarović, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy from Serbia, Marinko Čavara, Deputy Speaker of the House from the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Mirsad Nurković, Vice President of the Parliament of Montenegro. Other activities included networking discussions among attendees, showcasing the accomplishments and potential of local cooperation between China and CEEC nations, thus enriching the concrete outcomes of the event and enhancing Shandong's openness.

Notably, Klodiana Spahiu, Deputy President of the Albanian Parliament, also attended parts of the program, reflecting the high-level engagement and diversity characteristic of this event. It played a crucial role in deepening exchanges, broadening cooperation channels, strengthening collaboration, and achieving mutual benefits.

Furthermore, Shandong established friendship cooperation relations with the Minsk region of Belarus, the Ionian Islands of Greece, the coastal region of Togo, and the Jizzakh region of Uzbekistan. The international friendship network of Shandong has now expanded to 93 friendly provinces and states, and 681 partner cities across 109 countries.

Moreover, various events celebrated Shandong's friendly relations with South Australia and Connecticut, while projects such as a joint Chinese-Greek laboratory for smart green agriculture were initiated.

In conclusion, the 7th China-CEEC Local Leaders' Meeting in Shandong proved to be a pivotal platform for fostering international collaboration, exploring new avenues for growth, and fortifying existing partnerships. It is a clear demonstration of the commitment to working together for mutual progress, transcending borders and unlocking new possibilities for all participating nations.