"Global Mayors Dialogue · Qingdao" kicks off in Qingdao, Shandong province on Saturday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The coastal city of Qingdao in Shandong province has become a model for advanced urban governance by blending technological innovation with heritage preservation, earning international recognition at the Global Mayors Dialogue · Qingdao held over the weekend.

The event brought together mayors from across China and eight other countries, including Japan, South Korea, Greece and Cambodia, under the theme of celebrating culture and tourism together.

It featured discussions on marine tourism development, the revitalization of historic urban areas and cultural exchanges.

Sok Phea, deputy governor of Cambodia's Preah Sihanouk province, described Qingdao Port of the Shandong Port Group as one of the world's top ports.

"The fact that it is a smart and green port makes it a strong model for us to learn from," he said, adding that Preah Sihanouk plans to adopt digital and sustainable solutions inspired by Qingdao to build a future-ready logistics and tourism hub.

Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, secretary to the state government of Lagos, Nigeria, expressed interest in Qingdao's manufacturing strengths and potential vocational education cooperation, calling it an effective pathway for Lagos to acquire advanced technologies and AI expertise.

"International cooperation in culture and tourism is a key factor in strengthening connections and understanding among nations," said Vladimir Kukharev, chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee in Belarus. Such partnerships, he added, not only drive economic growth but also promote peace and friendship, helping to build a stable and harmonious society.

Ren Gang, mayor of Qingdao, pledged to use the exchange platform to expand practical cooperation and people-to-people diplomacy, aiming to make local-level interactions more distinctive and impactful in strengthening international ties.