On 22 September 2026, at the invitation of the Shantou Municipal People’s Government, Guangdong Province, Consul General of Ukraine in Guangzhou Serhii Kapuzo visited the city Shantou (population more than 6 million) and met with Mr Li Hongzhao, Director of the Shantou Municipal Foreign Affairs Office. The Chinese side was also represented by Mr Zheng Wenying, Deputy Director of the Shantou Municipal Commerce Bureau; Mr Weng Chunsheng, Deputy Director of the Shantou Municipal Investment Promotion Bureau; and officials from other municipal government departments.

A separate meeting was also held with Mr Cai Yongming, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Shantou Municipal Committee and Chairman of the Shantou Overseas Friendship Association.

During the meetings, which were held in a friendly and businesslike atmosphere, the parties had constructive discussions on the current state and prospects of cooperation between Ukraine and Guangdong Province, particularly Shantou. Chinese officials provided information on various areas of bilateral cooperation. The Chinese side emphasised its strong interest in cooperation with Ukraine and expressed hope for increased trade and the expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation in other fields.

The Consul General of Ukraine briefly informed the Chinese side about the activities of the Consulate General and its plans to develop bilateral investment, trade and economic cooperation.

Consul Serhiy Chepurnyy separately raised the issue of facilitating the Consulate General’s performance of its consular functions and providing assistance to Ukrainian citizens residing in the city. Chinese officials reaffirmed their readiness to continue providing comprehensive assistance to both Ukrainian diplomats and Ukrainian citizens.

Particular attention was paid to strengthening bilateral economic cooperation under the Memorandum of Cooperation signed between the Shantou Special Economic Zone and Mykolaiv Region.

Following the meetings, the parties agreed to maintain regular working contact between the Consulate General of Ukraine in Guangzhou and the Shantou Municipal People’s Government on a broad range of issues.