SOFIA - The first meeting of the capitals of China and Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) under the "16+1" cooperation mechanism kicked off on Monday.

The three-day event, which is attended by mayors and local government representatives of the 17 capitals, aims to improve cooperation in the areas of transport and logistics, agribusiness and tourism.

A special panel on innovation, innovation industries and the modern city will also be held as a part of the event.

Du Deyin, director of Beijing Municipal People's Congress Standing Committee, addressed the brief opening ceremony on behalf of the Chinese capital, expressing hope for closer cooperation between China and the capital cities of the CEE countries.

"Sofia hosts a unique meeting, which we believe will bring many beneficial results for our cities," Todor Chobanov, deputy mayor of Sofia, said at the ceremony that took place in the National Palace of Culture just before a Beijing acrobatics performance.