International guests tour an exhibition showcasing Fujian province's intangible cultural heritage in Fuzhou, the provincial capital, on Oct 17. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

More than 200 representatives from local governments and organizations across 24 countries gathered in Fuzhou, Fujian province, on Oct 17 for the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Local Government Cooperation and International Friendship Cities Dialogue.

Yang Wanming, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, said that as China promotes high-quality development and expands high-level opening-up, local governments and people-to-people exchanges are playing an increasingly prominent role.

He said local governments in countries participating in the Maritime Silk Road Initiative have vast potential to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation.

Participants held in-depth discussions on topics including global governance initiatives, marine economic cooperation and cultural-tourism integration.

Before the opening ceremony, guests toured an exhibition showcasing Fujian's intangible cultural heritage.

International guests tour an exhibition showcasing Fujian province's intangible cultural heritage in Fuzhou, the provincial capital, on Oct 17. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

International guests tour an exhibition showcasing Fujian province's intangible cultural heritage in Fuzhou, the provincial capital, on Oct 17. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]