From July 14 to 16, 2026, the Global Mayors' Dialogue 2026 took place in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, southwestern China. City leaders from around the world gathered to exchange views on sustainable urban development and called for closer cooperation in promoting harmony between urban growth and ecological preservation.
The dialogue was held under the motto 'Tropical Forest and Home: Coexist, Create Together, Share.' Representatives from countries such as China, Myanmar, Laos, Nepal, and Sri Lanka participated, discussing issues of environmental conservation, sustainable urban planning, and international cooperation.
During the event, participants visited local tropical forests, museums, and rural communities. This allowed them to gain firsthand insight into Xishuangbanna's efforts in biodiversity conservation, cultural preservation, and rural revitalization.
Based on the experience gained and the exchanges of views, the Xishuangbanna Initiative was presented. This document outlines a common vision for greener, more inclusive, and interconnected urban development. The Initiative calls for strengthening measures to protect forests, rivers, and biodiversity while simultaneously promoting the development of green and low-carbon industries and seeking sustainable methods for utilizing environmental resources.
Furthermore, the importance of strengthening industrial connectivity through leveraging regional advantages in agriculture, forestry, cultural tourism, intangible cultural heritage, and trade is emphasized. Emphasis was also placed on facilitating cross-border cooperation and creating more opportunities for local communities. Regarding urban governance, the initiative advocates for a people-oriented approach, requiring improved access to public services, preservation of cultural heritage, and greater involvement of diverse communities. Cities are also encouraged to expand exchanges through platforms like the Global Mayors' Dialogue, develop sister-city partnerships, and enhance cooperation in urban governance, talent development, and people exchange.
The General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President of China, Xi Jinping, stated that China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) must ensure that the development of bilateral relations always contributes to strengthening their respective socialist goals and promoting modernization.
These statements were made by Xi Jinping during a meeting with Pak Tae Song, Prime Minister of the DPRK Cabinet, which took place on July 10, 2026, in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, the capital of China. Pak Tae Song is also a member of the Presidium of the Politburo of the Workers' Party of Korea Central Committee and Vice President of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK.
Xi Jinping emphasized that despite the instability and interconnectedness of the current international situation, both countries must maintain strategic resolve and enhance strategic trust, accelerating the implementation of agreements reached by him and General Secretary Kim Jong Un, so that relations between the two parties and states keep pace with the times.
He noted that both nations should systematically develop practical cooperation, increase public support, and effectively utilize their common revolutionary heritage and resources. This will allow the youth of both countries to remember the historical contribution of Chinese volunteers, and the great friendship between China and the DPRK to be passed down from generation to generation.
Furthermore, Xi Jinping added that the sides should strengthen strategic coordination, resolutely defend their sovereignty, security, and development interests, creating a favorable external environment for the further progress of both countries along the socialist path appropriate to their national conditions.
The President recalled his state visit to the DPRK last month, during which he and Kim provided strategic guidance for strengthening and growing the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK and its continuous enrichment in line with the requirements of the times. Xi Jinping stressed that the relationship between China and the DPRK has always been defined by long friendship, sharing joys and hardships, and mutual assistance.
Pointing out that the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance between China and the DPRK laid important political and legal foundations for cementing the friendship forged by the two peoples through struggle and blood, Xi Jinping stated that, according to the agreement with Kim, both sides should use the joint and grand celebration of the 65th anniversary of the treaty as an opportunity to always remember the original aspirations and mission of the senior generations of leaders of the two parties and countries, and to encourage the peoples to continue the traditional friendship so that bilateral relations continue to flourish in the new historical era.
Pak Tae Song conveyed warm greetings from Kim to Xi, noting that on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship between the DPRK and China, Kim wishes Xi new and continuous success in the high task of leading the CPC and the Chinese people. He also congratulated Xi on the 105th anniversary of the founding of the CPC and on leading the Chinese people to achieve outstanding results in development.
Pak noted that Xi's first foreign visit this year was to the DPRK, and the meeting of the top leaders of the two parties and states became a historic event that established a new stage in bilateral relations and further strengthened public support for the friendship between the DPRK and China. He added that the treaty provides strong legal guarantees for advancing bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective.
According to Pak, guided by the spirit of the treaty, the two countries supported each other, jointly promoted the cause of socialism, and worked hand in hand to maintain peace in the region and the world. The celebratory events held by the two countries for the 65th anniversary of the treaty once again demonstrated that the friendship between the DPRK and China has withstood the test of changing international circumstances and holds great strategic significance.
Pak also reported that, following Kim's directive on developing relations between the DPRK and China into the strongest strategic partnership, the DPRK side will resolutely implement the important agreement between the top leaders of the two parties and states, firmly support China in defending its key interests, such as the issue of Taiwan, and make every effort to elevate the solidarity, friendship, and socialist cause of the two countries to a new and higher level.
