Chairman of the Qingdao Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Meng Qingbin met with a Japanese delegation led by Chairman of the Kyoto City Assembly Nishimura Yoshinao at the Sea View Garden Hotel on the morning of September 2. Deputy Secretary of the CPC Qingdao Municipal Committee Zhang Hui was also present.

Meng Qingbin warmly welcomed the delegation with a brief overview of Qingdao's economic and social development, highlighting Qingdao's significant geographic advantages, convenient transportation, robust industrial foundations, and abundant innovation resources as one of China's key coastal cities. As one of the earliest countries to establish diplomatic ties with Qingdao, Japan's close relationship Qingdao is exemplified through the flourishing bond between Qingdao and Kyoto since they became sister cities in 2012, marked by extensive and fruitful exchanges. Meng Qingbin emphasized Qingdao's commitment to advancing President Xi Jinping's directives for Shandong and Qingdao, particularly in building a modern international metropolis and he hopes to witness strengthened economic and trade cooperation between the two cities, particularly in sectors such as equipment manufacturing, environmental protection, and information technology. He also called for enhanced collaboration in education through talent exchanges, expert visits, and joint research, as well as deepening cultural, artistic, sports, and youth exchanges to further solidify the friendship between the peoples of both nations.

Nishimura Yoshinao acknowledged the strong ties between Kyoto and Qingdao, noting the high level of industrial synergy between the two cities, which he envisions as a foundation for deepening cooperation across various fields to achieve more tangible outcomes.