Qingdao Overseas Friendship Association Delegation Visits Me

On June 11, a delegation led by Ma Lixin, President of the Qingdao Overseas Friendship Association, visited Melbourne. The delegation included representatives from the Qingdao Municipal Education Bureau, the Qingdao Laoshan District Overseas Friendship Association, the Qingdao Overseas Friendship Association, and the Qingdao Foreign Affairs Office.

Chen Guangbao, President of the Victorian Shandong Fellowship Association and Chamber of Commerce, joined executive council members, council representatives, Melbourne-based representatives of Qingdao enterprises, and Shandong-born university students in Australia in a cordial exchange and discussion with the visiting delegation.

During the meeting, participants held in-depth discussions on educational cooperation, the inheritance and promotion of Chinese traditional culture, youth development, and people-to-people exchanges. The gathering served as a platform to renew hometown connections, strengthen friendship, and explore opportunities for future cooperation and shared development.

At the beginning of the event, Chen Guangbao, President of the Victorian Shandong Fellowship Association and Chamber of Commerce, warmly welcomed the Qingdao Overseas Friendship Association delegation on behalf of the host.

President Chen said the Association has long been committed to serving the Shandong community in Australia and promoting exchanges between Australia and China in business, culture, and education. He hoped the visit would further strengthen ties with Qingdao and contribute to China-Australia friendship.

Ma Lixin, President of the Qingdao Overseas Friendship Association, then delivered a speech. He introduced Qingdao’s recent economic and social development, as well as its achievements in international exchanges and cooperation.

President Ma also recognized the important role of overseas Chinese communities in promoting friendship, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connections. He expressed hope for stronger ties between Qingdao and overseas Chinese communities, education groups, and young people in Australia, so as to expand cooperation and better share Qingdao’s stories with the world.

The two organizations also exchanged commemorative gifts, expressing their shared commitment to strengthening friendship and cooperation in the future.

President Ma Lixin and President Chen Guangbao pose with the commemorative plaque of the Qingdao Overseas Friendship Association.

Guests also held in-depth discussions on overseas Chinese community development, youth talent cultivation, cultural and educational exchanges, and resource sharing. Student representatives from Shandong studying in Australia actively joined the discussion, sharing their study and life experiences in Australia and expressing their interest in and hopes for the future development of their hometown.

The visit further strengthened friendship and mutual trust between overseas Chinese organizations in Qingdao and Melbourne, while creating a stronger platform for future exchanges and cooperation.

Looking ahead, all parties will continue to serve as bridges between China and Australia, strengthen connections within the overseas Chinese community, deepen friendly exchanges, and work together to promote cultural ties and practical cooperation between the two countries.