Chengdu, one of the most livable and comfortable cities in southwest China, recently welcomed leaders from 28 countries for the 2026 Chengdu International Friendship Cities Cooperation and Development Conference. They came with a shared belief that openness wins and partnership grows.

CGTN's Zhang Meng caught up with them on the sidelines — from green energy to auto research, from logistics to livable design, they all agreed: every city has its strengths, and cooperation is how we all win.

Tom O'Leary, mayor of Fingal County, Ireland, even brought a Celtic touch — "Céad míle fáilte!" — a hundred thousand welcomes to Chinese friends to visit Ireland.