#China #Jinan #International Friendship #Shandong #China-CEEC

Successful 7th China-CEEC Local Leaders Meeting

The 7th China-CEE Local Leaders’ Meeting, held from May 25 to 29, 2026, in Shandong, extended avenues for international collaboration and mutual growth among participating cities. Organizing bodies included the Shandong Provincial Government and the Central and Eastern European Countries Cooperation Secretariat. This significant event attracted over 600 delegates from 44 countries, emphasizing Shandong's rising profile as a hub for international diplomacy and cooperation.

Event Overview

Under the theme “Shaping the Future Together,” the meeting offered a rich agenda with 23 activities, including an opening ceremony, local leaders’ dialogues, a governor dialogue session, and business matchmaking opportunities. These activities aimed at strengthening connections between Shandong and Central and Eastern European countries, further enhancing cooperative development.

Distinguished dignitaries, such as Ivan Stoilkovikj, Vice Prime Minister of North Macedonia, and Adrijana Mesarović, Vice Prime Minister of Serbia, were present, sharing insights and fostering discussions around friendship initiatives. Special sessions highlighted successful cooperation models, showcasing concrete outcomes while paving the way for future partnerships.

Strengthening Connections

The event's collaborative spirit was palpable as discussions unfolded, focusing on shared goals and mutual benefits in various fields, from economic initiatives to cultural exchanges. One notable highlight was the partnership established between Shandong and regions including Minsk in Belarus, the Ionian Islands in Greece, and Togo’s maritime region. With this, Shandong's international friendship network expanded to encompass 93 pairs of provinces and states, alongside 681 pairs of cities across 109 countries. This robust international presence underlines Shandong's commitment to fostering collaborative ties.

Celebrating Achievements

During the week, additional activities were organized to commemorate long-standing friendships, including those between Shandong, South Australia, and Connecticut, USA. Furthermore, the launch of joint projects was announced, such as the China-Greece laboratory focused on intelligent green agriculture, demonstrating a commitment to addressing sustainable development challenges.

Overall, the 7th China-CEEC Local Leaders Meeting stood as a testament to the power of diplomacy and collaboration, setting a strong foundation for future endeavors and cooperation. Shandong's proactive role in enhancing international relations will continue to be pivotal in shaping its future trajectory on the global stage.