The fourth council meeting of the Shandong People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries is held on Sept 11 in Jinan, capital of Shandong province. [Photo/iqilu.com]

During the fourth council meeting of the Shandong People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Cai Xianjin, director of the Foreign Affairs Office of Shandong province, affirmed the province's commitment to further develop foreign cooperation.

"In order to build an all-around and multi-level pattern of foreign cooperation channels, Shandong province has built 29 overseas liaison offices and realized the full coverage of key countries and regions within three years," said Cai at the meeting, which was held on Sept 11 in Jinan, capital of Shandong province.

More than 120 representatives from government departments, enterprises, universities, and private enterprises in Shandong attended the meeting, during which Cai was elected as the president of the fourth council. The leading members of the new council were elected as well.

The participants deliberated and adopted the work report of the third council. The new working regulations of the association were revised and the resolution of the fourth council meeting was adopted.

"Serving the overall diplomatic situation of the country, as well as local economic and social development is the dual mission of non-governmental work on foreign affairs and communication," said Ling Wen, vice governor of Shandong province.

He said that the Shandong People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries should spearhead efforts to promote friendly cooperation with foreign countries and make contribution to the province's development.

Works related to overseas liaison offices and foreign friendship associations of countries and regions play an important role in extending opening up of the province, as well as enhancing the mutual trust and cooperation between China and other countries, Ling added.

According to Cai, Shandong will set up five working committees concerning central and eastern Europe, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Japan and South Korea, as well as the south Pacific to enhance friendship and cooperation.