Shandong friendship cities week strengthens global ties, cooperation

The 2025 Shandong International Friendship Cities Cooperation and Exchange Week, being held from May 26 to 30 in Jinan, Shandong province, brought together nearly 900 guests from over 120 regions across 47 countries. The event is demonstrating the province's expanding global ties and commitment to deeper international collaboration.

Hosted by the Shandong provincial government and guided by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the event is featuring 26 activities under the theme "Hand in Hand for Shared Future". These included an opening ceremony, governors' dialogue, business matchmaking sessions, and city tours.

At the opening ceremony and governor-level dialogue, dignitaries such as Crown Prince of Tonga Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala, chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee of Belarus Subotsin Aliaksandr, and Jordanian Ambassador to China Hussam Al Husseini delivered keynote speeches. Highlights included friendship-themed talks, new partnership signings, and the release of the Jinan Initiative, each reinforcing future cooperation opportunities.

Emphasizing economic engagement, the event hosted one-on-one matchmaking sessions involving nearly 200 Chinese and international enterprises in sectors such as modern agriculture and equipment manufacturing. These meetings promoted pragmatic collaboration and cross-border resource sharing under the friendship city framework.

Delegates also toured cities including Jinan, Qingdao, Zibo, and Jining, participating in cultural and business forums to strengthen people-to-people ties. Key events included the Global Youth Conference in Zibo and the third anniversary celebration of the China–Pacific Island Countries Climate Change Cooperation Center in Liaocheng.

An exhibition on the achievements of Shandong's international friendship cities work over the past 46 years, along with receptions and cultural performances, provided networking opportunities and showcased the richness of Shandong culture.

More than 20 new or enhanced partnerships were established, expanding Shandong's global network to 718 pairs across 107 countries and reinforcing its role as a proactive player in international cooperation.

(chinadaily.com.cn)