The Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia and Minister for Inter-Community Relations, Mr. Ivan Stoilkovic, paid a working visit to the People’s Republic of China, where he participated in the 7th Meeting of Local Leaders of China and Central and Eastern European Countries, as well as in the 2026 Shandong International Cooperation and Exchange Week and Friendship Cities Event, held in Jinan, Shandong Province.

Held under the theme “Shaping the Future Togeter,” the event brought together high-level representatives from China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Several sessions were held focusing on economic, trade, and regional cooperation.

During the visit, Deputy Prime Minister Stoilkovic also held a number of meetings and activities aimed at advancing economic and institutional cooperation, strengthening partnership relations, and creating new opportunities for investment and connectivity among regions and cities.

“At the outset, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the invitation and the warm welcome to the beautiful city of Jinan, Shandong Province—a place rich in history, culture, and civilizational wisdom.

It is a particular honor to be part of the 7th Meeting of Local Leaders of China and Central and Eastern European Countries, held under the theme “Shaping the Future Together.” This message reflects the very essence of our time—a time in which partnerships, mutual trust, and economic connectivity are essential to achieving stable and sustainable development.

As Confucius once said, He who wishes to secure the good of others, has already secured his own’”.

This idea carries particular significance today. In a world facing numerous economic and global challenges, cooperation is not a choice—it is a necessity. The platform for cooperation between China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe serves as an example of how dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared vision can create new opportunities for all.

The Republic of North Macedonia views the People’s Republic of China as an important economic partner and a friendly country with which there is room for further deepening cooperation, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, investment, technology, tourism, education, cultural exchange, and agriculture.

We believe that the period ahead should be one of more intensive economic communication, stronger connectivity between regions, cities, and companies, as well as the opening of new opportunities for foreign investment and joint projects that will bring tangible benefits to our citizens.

Our country is ready to actively contribute to the advancement of cooperation between China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe through the building of partnerships based on mutual respect, understanding, and a long-term vision.

I am convinced that local and regional cooperation can serve as a driving force for a new cycle of development—because the strongest ties always begin between people, cities, and communities.

Today, more than ever, it is necessary to build strong bridges of friendship, trust, and economic cooperation. We believe it is time for these relations to be further strengthened and to evolve into a true “steel friendship” between our peoples and states—a friendship based on mutual respect, stability, and shared development. In that spirit, allow me to say that we believe in a stable and sincere partnership with China, a partnership that will continue to develop in the spirit of common progress and mutual respect.

May this meeting serve as another step toward new initiatives, new investments, and even stronger ties between our peoples,” the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Stoilkovic stated in his address.