Sept 9 – Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining met with Cologne Mayor Henriette Reker.

Chen emphasized the close exchanges between Shanghai and Cologne. He expressed his hope to deepen exchanges and mutual learning in areas such as urban fine management, artificial intelligence governance, and professional elderly care, as well as to explore new channels for cultural exchanges.

Reker praised Shanghai's achievements in green transition and urban governance. She reaffirmed the importance of practical cooperation between both sides and called for enhanced economic and cultural exchanges, aiming for mutual development.

Sept 10 – Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

Chen expressed a desire to uphold high-level cooperation with Spain and deepen economic and trade investments, jointly advancing the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Spain.

Prime Minister Sanchez highlighted Shanghai's status as an important investment destination for Spanish businesses and a hub for cultural exchanges. He conveyed his eagerness to expand cooperation in the fields of new energy vehicles, green development, culture, education, and tourism, for the mutual benefit of both nations.

Sept 11 – Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.

Chen highlighted Shanghai's willingness to work with Norway to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries and continue their traditional friendship, noting the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. He also invited Norwegian enterprises and e-commerce platforms to invest in Shanghai.

Prime Minister Store emphasized Shanghai's crucial role in advancing Sino-Norwegian relations. He expressed the hope that the two sides will leverage their respective advantages and deepen cooperation in green industries, maritime shipping, agriculture, investment, and other areas.

Sept 9 – Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng met with President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso in Shanghai.

Gong welcomed Nguesso and emphasized Shanghai's commitment to strengthening ties with the African nation, noting that this year is the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two.

He highlighted opportunities for cooperation through the Belt and Road Initiative and invited Congolese companies to participate in the China International Import Expo to seek partnerships in agriculture, new energy, and infrastructure.

President Nguesso expressed his admiration for China's development, stressing the importance of advancing agricultural modernization and establishing economic zones. He also encouraged Shanghai enterprises to invest in the Republic of the Congo.

Sept 14 (local time) – Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng met with WorldSkills President Chris Humphries prior to the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Official Reception in Lyon, France.

Gong expressed his gratitude to WorldSkills for supporting Shanghai's skills development and provided updates on the city's progress in preparing for the 2026 WorldSkills Competition. He highlighted that Shanghai is refining organizational mechanisms, gathering valuable experience, and meticulously preparing for the event's handover and promotion. Gong also welcomed guidance from WorldSkills to help Shanghai elevate its vocational skills training and enhance international cooperation.

Humphries praised Shanghai's commitment and efforts in preparing for the competition, noting the professionalism and innovative capabilities of the city's team. He expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Shanghai on designing new skills competitions, incorporating advancements in AI and other emerging technologies, and making the 48th WorldSkills Competition the best yet.