The 2024 China International Friendship Cities Conference is held from Nov 18 to 19 in Kunming, Yunnan province. [Photo/WeChat account: Shandongfabu]

Shandong province was recognized for its outstanding contributions to international friendship at the 2024 China International Friendship Cities Conference held in Kunming, Yunnan province. The province was awarded the prestigious International Friendship City Award for Outstanding Contribution.

Over 700 delegates, including representatives from government organizations, friendly organizations, academia, businesses, and media from 41 countries across five continents, attended.

Shandong province has been promoting international friendship and cooperation for 45 years. Adhering to the principles of inclusiveness, mutual learning, mutual benefit, and win-win cooperation, the province has established 685 friendship cities and friendly cooperation relationship cities in 105 countries.

Shandong's international friendship exchanges have continuously improved in quality and efficiency, making significant contributions to the province's high-quality development.

International friendship cities serve as important channels for promoting friendly exchanges, mutually beneficial economic cooperation, and cultural exchanges among people from different countries. They play a positive role in advancing local cooperation and fostering interpersonal relationships.

Shandong's recognition at the conference underscores its commitment to international cooperation and its achievements in building a global network of friends.