The fourth Leaders Meeting between both sides will be held in China this year. During the meeting, leaders of the 16 CEE countries will gather in China for the first time to discuss strategic development and all-win cooperation.

Li urged the delegates to work together to develop a frank dialogue in a pioneering and innovative spirit, make a good use of the platform to promote mutual learning among the outstanding cultures of all nations, and contribute to keeping injecting new vigor and vitality into the deepening of cooperation and mutual prosperity.

In a separate congratulatory message, Borisov said that the "16+1" cooperation mechanism plays an important role in promoting economic, cultural and regional cooperation among the countries concerned, and makes up a powerful supplement to China-Europe relations.

Promotion of cultural diversity and state-to-state dialogue will help the countries concerned deal with challenges, remove barriers, become closer in relationship, and inject greater driving force for cooperation in all fields and at all levels, he said.

Attending the forum were nearly 100 delegates from China and the 16 CEE countries.