The 2024 China-Pacific Island Countries Cooperation and Exchange Conference & Dialogue on Joint Climate Response and the 2024 Liaocheng International Friendship Cities Conference for Cooperation and Development were held in Liaocheng, Shandong province, from Oct 18 to 20.

The three-day event brought together over 300 guests, including officials, diplomatic envoys to China, and representatives from sister cities and international organizations from 17 countries to discuss climate response.

At the opening ceremony of the conference, the China-Pacific Island Countries Green Development Cooperation Alliance and the China-Pacific Island Countries Vocational Education Alliance were launched, along with the Liaocheng Climate Change Cooperation Fund.

Successful case studies were shared on education, cultural exchange, and humanitarian aid between Liaocheng and Pacific Island countries. Attendees also engaged in discussions on practical cooperation and climate change response between China and the Pacific Islands.

"This friendship between the municipality of Palilula and the city of Liaocheng opens doors for the mutual exchange of knowledge, experiences, and innovations in areas such as economic development, cultural exchange, and sustainable growth," said Ivana Medic, mayor of Palilula in the Republic of Serbia.

Tetabo Manaima, mayor of Betio Town Council of the Republic of Kiribati, emphasized that sustainable and green development is crucial for the wellbeing of people and communities, especially for a small island nation like Kiribati, where climate change poses the single greatest threat.

He also said that through cooperation with Liaocheng, Kiribati can work together to build resilient, eco-friendly cities that are prepared to face the challenges of tomorrow.

Liaocheng places great importance on its international sister city initiatives, actively promoting the high-quality development of these partnerships.

The city has established sister city relationships with 31 cities in 17 countries on four continents, facilitating collaboration in various sectors, including industry, agriculture, trade, culture, tourism, and education, leading to strong results.

Following the establishment of the cooperation mechanism, Liaocheng has been committed to serving the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Pacific Island countries, based on mutual respect and shared development.

The Chinese-Pacific Island Countries Vocational Educational Alliance is launched during the conference's opening ceremony on Oct 19 in Liaocheng, Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]