World mayors meet in Ningbo to share stories of China's friendship

The 2026 Global Mayors Dialogue kicked off in Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province on Tuesday afternoon. City representatives from countries including the Maldives, Morocco and Malaysia gathered under the theme "Openness, Connectivity and Shared Opportunities" to share their stories about city development and explore opportunities for cooperation and cultural exchange.
Hussain Habeeb, Executive of Laamu Atoll Council, Maldives, said that the 18-kilometer Laamu Link Road, the longest in the Maldives, was built by China with assistance from the Chinese government. The road has become an important part of the local transport infrastructure and a testament to the friendly cooperation between China and the Maldives.
Said Karimi, Mayor of Errachidia, Morocco, presented Ningbo with a box of locally produced dates, sharing a taste of his hometown and a gesture of friendship.
Lee Fu Haw, a councilor of the Royal Klang City Council in Malaysia, shared the Malaysian tradition of eating tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) during the Winter Solstice and spoke about the fresh perspectives and impressions he gained from his visit to Ningbo.
From infrastructure cooperation and local specialties to shared cultural traditions and mutual understanding, the dialogue offered a platform for cities from different countries to strengthen friendship and explore opportunities for common development.