The First Young Political Leaders Forum of China and Central and Eastern European Countries (CEE) was held on October 23-24 in Beijing. Around 100 leaders from China and 13 Central and Eastern European countries attended the forum with the theme "From traditional friendships to closer cooperation."

During the forum, Beijing Review reporter Chen Ran interviewed some delegates who shared their thoughts on the significance of youth exchange to the relationship between China and CEE countries. Excerpts follow:

Esmeralda Shkjau, Member of Parliament of the Socialist Party of Albania and Chair of the European Socialist Youth Forum in Durazzo: I am grateful that I had the opportunity to attend the forum. I learnt a lot. The main reason we are here is to understand each other and form relationships. So it is my duty to keep in touch with attendants from both China and other Central and Eastern European countries.

I enjoyed my visit to the Tsinghua University Science Park as part of the "Interaction with Chinese Elites" program held alongside the forum. I saw a lot of young people working hard to achieve technological innovations. I want to bring such things back to my country. A nation's future is in it's youth. If they are cared for – educated and employed – then the future is cared for.

I think Albania and China should strengthen their exchanges in many areas such as the economy, education and culture.

Michal Ludwikowski, General Director of the Polish Economic Congress Foundation and Adviser to the Prime Minister: I have watched the cartoon How Leaders Are Made, and how it depicts Chinese President Xi Jinping's rise to become the country's head of state. It is impressive and I really hope that our political candidates can make some sort of similar presentation before the election.

The difference in the political systems of China and CEE countries is just the way a party gets power. What is most important for the ruling party is what you do with the power you have. There are many examples in both Poland and China. We can look at China's economy and what the Central Government is doing for economic growth. I think we must seek common ground in policies, not in how power is obtained.

Lucie Valova, Vice President of the Young Social Democrats of Czech Republic: We had the opportunity to see the Tsinghua University Science Park. During the program, we saw major innovations and start-ups built by young Chinese business people. The cooperation between the universities and the business environment is fascinating and provides great opportunities for talented young individuals. This is what society needs the most, and also why these projects are worth supporting because the whole of society benefits.

I enjoy helping people. I think all politicians have to spend time with people. I work as a representative of the City Council in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, but I also work with disabled people and so I know what people need. People have to work hard for their dreams, and I think I realized my dream.

Dr. Tamas Matura, research fellow of Hungarian Institute of International Affairs: This forum is a new phase in the relations between China and CEE countries. I really hope that my country can host the forum next year.

The youth represent the future. That is why we are here. I think it is a long-term investment. Everybody around this table is going to be a political figure in his or her country in the very near future. We can make real friendships right now, which could help enhance relations between our countries and China in the future.

The Chinese Dream is an important political vision that has been implemented by the Chinese President Xi Jinping. I think it is real for the Chinese people who are dreaming about a better life, a well-off life in the near future. Therefore, I think it is very important for China to have such a political vision to have something to strive and work for - quality of life for the Chinese people. It is also has something to do with the economic development model China would like to embrace in the future. It will provide economic opportunities for CEE countries. So I hope this dream will come true.

David Yuan, Co-founder of China Consumer Report: I think the event has achieved a better understanding between the young generations of Central and Eastern European countries and China. From the discussion of business challenges and opportunities, both sides have taken the opportunity to seek realistic business cooperation. I heard suggestions that could really help my business in the real world.

Doing a startup in my own country, China, means a lot to me. It not only means achieving my life-time goal of running my own business, but also, more importantly, means a process of leveraging my skills and understanding of the users to create great products. China is such a unique country in terms of culture and diversity that everything in this market has to do fundamental revisions to succeed. The process of localization is one of the most interesting parts of my experiences of running a startup in China.

The Tsinghua University Science Park is one of the best science parks I've ever known of in terms of service. Arranging many rounds of training, discussion panels, and investors meetings throughout the year. The park and its management are very good at leveraging every resource they can - the university resources and enterprise connections for example - to create growth opportunities for its incubating startups. This is  essential in helping these newly-born companies.