BEIJING, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese vice president Li Yuanchao met with a delegation of young political leaders from Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries on Thursday.

The delegation, which consists of nearly 50 representatives from 16 Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries, is attending a young leaders forum in Beijing from Oct.29 to 30.

Li said China and CEE countries have a traditional friendship and witnessed rapid development in various fields in recent years.

He expressed his hope that both sides will cooperate more and jointly participate in the Belt and Road Initiative.

The Belt and Road Initiative provides opportunities for cooperation between China and CEE countries, party-to-party communication will contribute more to further cooperation, members of the delegation said.

The Communist Party of China (CPC) attaches importance to communication with parties in CEE countries, Li said. Activities like the young political leaders forum currently being held in Beijing will boost ties between China and CEE countries.

The Young Political Leaders Forum of China and Central and Eastern European Countries is held every two years and aims to enhance mutual benefit and forge a consensus on development through in-depth exchange between young leaders.

Ahead of the forum, the delegation visited an energy company in Langfang and experienced rural life in the Qujiaying Village of Langfang, Hebei Province on Wednesday.