Following the invitation of Chinese People`s Association for Peace and Disarmament (CPAPD), during the period 19-21 September, our colleague Ecaterina Matoi, attended the “Commemoration of the International Day of Peace 2024” a landmark event organized in China, under the aegis of the CPAPD and the People`s Government of Shandong Province. The location of the event – Shandong Province –  is an important cradle of Chinese civilization, of talents such as Confucius and Sunzi, a land with beautiful scenery such as Mount Tai, the Temple and Cemetery of Confucius, the Great Wall of the Qi State, Yellow River Estuary, the Capital of Kites, a land of Openness and Inclusiveness (has established 666 sister relations with provinces/states and cities of 102 countries on 5 continents) and a Land with numerous Opportunities, keeping in mind that this province is a major economic powerhouse of China.

With the participation of delegates from over 80 countries and prestigious personalities such as Han Zhen the Vice President of the People`s Republic of China, Ulrich Maurer Former Federal President of the Swiss Confederation, Ernesto Samper Pizano, Former President of the Republic of Colombia, or Kgalema Mothlanthe, Former President of South Africa, Sommad Pholsena, Vice President of the National Assembly of Laos and President of the Lao Committee for Peace and Solidarity, etc,  the event had as its central theme “Upholding a Shared Future to Build a World of Peaceful Coexistence”. Held in the beautiful cities of Jinan and Weifang from Shandong Province, the event provided an important forum for discussion on current global challenges and ways to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development.

Mrs. Matoi was deeply impressed by the exceptional level of organization of the event, by the critical importance of the topics debated and by the diversity of participants. The discussions, both formal and informal, provided a great framework for the exchange of ideas and the establishment of long-term collaborative relationships. The visit to Shandong province and later to Xi’an city allowed her to deepen her knowledge of Chinese history, culture, and values. The experience of exploring archaeological sites such as the Terracotta Army was truly captivating, and the interactions with the wonderful people at CPAPD enriched the experience even more. Back in the country, Mrs. Matoi aims  to share this experience with her colleagues and partners, thus contributing especially to the strengthening of bilateral relations between at least Romania and China.