On 9 December, Ambassador Qi Qianjin attended the annual meeting of Croatia-China Friendship Association (Rijeka) and delivered a speech. About 50 people attended the meeting, including Chairman of the Association and former Deputy Prime Minister Ante Simonić, and Rector of the University of Rijeka Snježana Prijić-Samaržija.

Ambassador Qi focused on promoting the spirit of President Xi Jinping's important speech when he met with foreign guests attending China International Friendship Conference and events marking the 70th Anniversary of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countrie. He congratulated Mr. Simonić on being honored as "Friendship Ambassador to China", appraised the contribution of his Association in promoting communication between the two peoples, and encouraged everyone to strive to be the Marco Polo of the new era, with the aim of continuing friendship, promoting cooperation, and contributing to the further development of China-Croatia and China-EU relations.

Chairman Simonić said that he was greatly encouraged by listening to President Xi Jinping's important speech. The concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind is based on the long-term interests of all civilizations. He is willing to continue to give full play to the advantages of the Association, promote exchanges and cooperation, enhance friendship between the two peoples, and contribute to promoting the development of bilateral relations and building a community with a shared future for mankind.