Successful Completion of the 7th China-CEEC Local Leaders' Meeting and Shandong Friendship Cities Week

Successful Completion of the 7th China-CEEC Local Leaders' Meeting and Shandong International Friendship Cities Week

The 7th China–CEEC (Central and Eastern European Countries) Local Leaders' Meeting and the Shandong International Friendship Cities Cooperation and Exchange Week were successfully held from May 25 to 29, 2026, in Jinan, China. This pivotal event was organized by the Shandong Provincial People's Government alongside the Secretariat for Cooperation between China and the CEEC, and the China-CEEC Governors’ Association. It brought together over 600 participants from 44 countries and 15 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities across China.

Themed "Building the Future Together", the event hosted 23 activities including an opening ceremony, dialogues among local leaders, governor discussions, high-quality development promotion sessions, and numerous business meetings. These activities fostered deeper exchanges and cooperative opportunities between Shandong and CEEC states, as well as with international friendship cities. They aimed to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation and coordinated development.

Notable speakers at the opening ceremony included prominent politicians like Ivan Stoilkovikj, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Community Relations for North Macedonia; Adrijana Mesarović, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Serbia; Marinko Čavara, Vice President of the House of Representatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina; and Mirsad Nurković, Vice President of the Montenegrin Parliament. These leaders emphasized the value of international cooperation and local government exchanges.

The event also featured informal discussions and presentations showcasing the achievements and opportunities for local cooperation between China and the CEEC states. Furthermore, attendees engaged in exchanging best practices that contributed to strengthening diplomatic relationships and economic ties.

Klodiana Spahiu, the Vice President of the Parliament of Albania, participated in relevant sessions, highlighting the diversity and high level of engagement throughout the week. The gathering illustrated a committed and practical approach to international relations, crucial for expanding channels of cooperation and fostering collaborative benefits.

As a highlight, Shandong established friendly cooperative relationships with regions including Minsk in Belarus, the Ionian Islands in Greece, Togo's Maritime Region, and Jizzakh in Uzbekistan. This initiative expanded Shandong's international network of friendship cities to a total of 93 pairs of provincial and state partners and 681 friendship city pairs across 109 countries.

The event also commemorated existing friendly relations with South Australia and Connecticut. Noteworthy initiatives unveiled during the week included the launch of the China-Greece Joint Laboratory on Smart Green Agriculture, which underscores the commitment to advancing agricultural innovation and enhancing sustainable practices.

In summary, the 7th China-CEEC Local Leaders' Meeting and the Shandong International Friendship Cities Week successfully facilitated a platform for international cooperation and partnership development, paving the way for a promising future built on shared goals and mutual respect. Through these efforts, Shandong continues to position itself as a key player in fostering international dialogue, collaboration, and collective growth.

This gathering not only strengthens existing ties but also establishes a framework for future interactions, guiding participants toward a pathway of combined successes and collaborative advancements.