At the invitation of Association of Communes of Romania (A.Co.R.), Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities of Serbia (SCTM) and Association of Municipalities in Croatia (UORH), Vice President Xie Yuan led a CIFCA delegation to visit Romania, Serbia and Croatia from February 19th to 28th. During the visit to these three countries, CIFCA has reached broad consensuses with the above mentioned organizations concerning cooperation in China and CEEC 16+1 mechanism and “One Belt and One Road” initiatives.

During the stay in Romania, the delegation attended the 20th ordinary session of A.Co.R. General Assembly and Vice President Xie addressed the opening ceremony. There are over 650 mayors from Romania participating in the meeting. Liviu Dragnea, President of Romanian Chamber of Deputies, Sorin Grindeanu, Prime Minister of Romania, and several government ministers attended the meeting and delivered speeches. During the meeting, the delegation met with Mr. Emil Draghici, President of A.Co.R., and discussed about the two sides’ further cooperation.

During the stay in Serbia, the delegation had a meeting with SCTM and exchanged thoughts on developing China-Serbia local cooperation under the“One Belt and One Road” initiatives. Vice President Xie also met with Mr. Nikola Nikodijevic, President of Belgrade City Assembly. Xie introduced the basic function of CPAFFC & CIFCA and the development of Chinese friendship cities to President Nikodijevic, while Nikodijevic briefed the delegation on the development of Belgrade and the friendly exchanges between Belgrade and its friendship city Beijing. The delegation also paid a visit to Smederevo City Council and met with the Mayor Jasna Avramovic. 

During the stay in Croatia, the delegation had a meeting with UORH on promoting exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and Croatian local authorities. Vice President Xie also met with Mr. Miro Laco, Principal of Zagreb Mayor Office. Xie introduced the basic function of CPAFFC & CIFCA and said that CIFCA would always support and help more Croatian cities to develop friendly relations with their Chinese counterparts. Laco briefed the delegation on the development of Zagreb and the friendly exchanges between Zagreb and its friendship city Shanghai. The delegation also met with Mr. Jasmin Devlic, Head of the Department of Bilateral Economic Relations of Croatian Foreign Affairs Ministry.

The delegation also invited these organizations and local governments to dispatch delegations to attend the 2018 China International Friendship Cities Conference next year. 

Vice President Xie Yuan meeting with A.Co.R. President Draghici 

Vice President Xie and the Romanian Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu at the meeting

Vice President Xie Yuan addressing the 20th ordinary session of A.Co.R. General Assembly 

The 20th ordinary session of A.Co.R. General Assembly 

The delegation meeting with Mr. Nikola Nikodijevic, President of Belgrade City Assembly

The delegation meeting with SCTM

The delegation meeting with Ms. Jasna Avramovic, Mayor of Smederevo City 

The delegation meeting with UORH

The delegation meeting with Mr. Miro Laco, Principal of Zagreb Mayor Office

The delegation meeting with Mr. Jasmin Devlic, Head of the Department of Bilateral Economic Relations of Croatian Foreign Affairs Ministry