CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- Under a theme of deepening local cooperation and promoting common development, the Chongqing International Friendship Cities Cooperation Conference 2024 (hereinafter referred to as the Cooperation Conference 2024) will start in Chongqing on May 22 and last for two days, according to the Foreign Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipal People's Government on May 13.

The Cooperation Conference 2024 will be hosted by the Foreign Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipal People's Government and the Chongqing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. It is the first time for Chongqing to hold such an international meeting.

The Cooperation Conference 2024 has attracted about 200 participants, said Zhang Yaxi, Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipal People's Government and Press Spokesman. There will be about 100 foreign guests, which include foreign dignitaries, heads of Chongqing's sister cities and friendship cities, representatives of friendship cities, representatives of ambassadors and institutions in China, and heads of international friendship organizations. To date, 35 local leaders from 48 cities of 31 countries have confirmed participation, including Seattle of the United States, Hiroshima of Japan, Minsk Region of Belarus, Aswan Province of Egypt, and Pest County of Hungary.

The conference will offer more than 20 activities to promote cooperation in different fields, such as the urban industrial cooperation conference, the ‘Green Development of Cities’ exchange activity, the ‘International Biodiversity Day’ Friendship City Tour, the opening ceremony for the Chongqing International Friendship City Food Street, the tree planting activity for Chongqing’s friendship cities, and cultural exchange activity for young people in Chongqing and international friendship cities. Besides, the Chongqing Consensus on Deepening Cooperation with International Friendship Cities will be released during the event.

To develop friendships with foreign cities and foster cooperation in trade and culture, Chongqing will sign friendship and cooperation agreements with the provinces or cities of Spain, Belarus, Japan, South Korea, and Nepal; share resources and promote achievements with the Western Trade Fair; launch a series of economic and trade activities such as the Chongqing International Friendship City Food Street project and the catering cooperation projects with Sacramento, USA; sign a scientific and technological innovation cooperation memorandum with Seville, Spain.

So far, Chongqing has been twinned with 54 provinces and cities in 36 countries, which include 31 friendship municipal cities. (Translated by Yuki, Fathom Language Limited)