The Second China-US Sister Cities Conference held in Chicago
To further the development of and deepen the cooperation between China-U.S. sister cities, the Second China-U.S. Sister Cities Conference was cohosted by CPAFFC and SCI from October 22 to 23 in the City of Chicago in the U.S.
Vice President Xie Yuan of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Consul General Zhao Weiping of the Chinese Consulate General in Chicago, Minister Counselor Heng Xiaojun of the Chinese Embassy to the U.S., Mayor Rahm Emanuel of the City of Chicago and President and CEO Mary Kane of Sister Cities International, as well as nearly 200 politicians, business leaders and scholars from 10 provinces of China and 25 states of the U.S. attended the conference.
In his speech, Vice President Xie said, entrusted by the Chinese government, CPAFFC is responsible for the coordination and management of sister cities relations between Chinese cities and province and their counterparts abroad. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and US, 200 pairs of sister cities and 44 pairs of sister state and province have been established between the two countries. For the past more than 30 years, the growth of bilateral relations has been achieved through the support of local governments and their people. Going forward, it will continue to draw strength from and deliver benefits to them. As the major form of sub-national exchanges and cooperation, sister cities relations is going to play a unique role building major country relations between the two countries. Both sides should make the most out of this platform, enhancing pragmatic cooperation, starting a brilliant new page of friendship, cooperation and development for the provinces, states and cities of the two countries.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Shenyang Municipal Congress said in their speech that the 30-year history of sister cities relations has laid a solid foundation for further cooperation between the two cities. They hoped this conference could be a new starting point for strengthening friendship and deepening cooperation. Based on years of trade and economic cooperation, both cities should increase people-to-people exchanges, strengthening cultural, educational and business cooperation.
In her remarks, SCI president and CEO Mary Kane reviewed the history of sister cities relations between the two countries, hoping that the sister cities continue pragmatic cooperation and friendly exchanges, promoting the development of U.S.-China relations.
Consul General Zhao Weiping said, the conference was the first important meeting on China-U.S. sub-national cooperation since Chinese President Xi Jinping successfully visited the U.S., and it has special significance for development of and pragmatic cooperation between sister cities of the two countries. With the continuation of both sides’ efforts to build a new model of major country relations and the consistent prosperity of their economies, cities of both countries are blessed with opportunities for win-win cooperation.?
The conference has been listed as one of the achievements of the 7th China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue.
Villa Musica Ensemble’s Concert Tour in China
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At the invitation of CPAFFC, a chamber music ensemble dispatched by Villa Musica, a state foundation of German Bundesland Rhineland-Palatinate (Rheinland-Pfalz), visited China from October 16 to 23. Headed by the state secretory of Rheinland-Palatinate and the foundation’s head of board, Mr. Schumacher, the group staged concerts in Beijing, Suqian city of Jiangsu Province, and Fuzhou, Fujian Province. CPAFFC’s Vice President Hu Sishe and mayor of Suqian Wang Tianqi met with the delegation and attended the concerts. Vice president Hu expressed his wish for a long-lasting and innovative cooperation between Villa Musica and CPAFFC to enhance cultural exchanges among the peoples.
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Distinguished violin professor Ervis Gega-Dodi, violist Fernando Arias-Parra, cellist Julian Bachmann, and pianist Meri Tschabaschwili played four piano and string quartets composed by Mozart, presenting the Chinese audience wonderful nights of classicism.
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Villa Musica was established by the state government in 1986 and started its friendship with CPAFFC in 1993. Since then the two organizations have been exchanging young musicians for tour performances every other year.
The concerts were held specifically in Suqian city, which became the sister city last month of Neuwied where Villa Musica locates; and in Fujian Province because of its friendly ties with Rheinland-Palatinate since 1995.
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During the tour, Mr. Schumacher invited CPAFFC to send a troupe to Germany next year in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Villa Musica, and to join the state and city of Trier to hold cultural activities commemorating the bicentennial of Karl Marx’s birth.
Secretary General Li Xikui Meets with President of Bethune Medical Development Foundation of Canada
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On the morning of Oct.22, Mr. Li Xikui,Secretary General of CPAFFC, met with Mr. Gu Yu, President of Bethune Medical Development Foundation of Canada. The aim of the Foundation is to promote Bethune’s internationalism spirit, support and promote the activities of ‘contemporary Bethune in Action’ in China, and introduce more ‘contemporary Bethune’ . All donation collected by the Foundation is put into organizing North American and European medical experts to conduct charity medical activities in China, or providing free oversea tutorial, medical exchange and scientific cooperation opportunities to Chinese medical staff.?????
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President Gu Yu said, many Chinese doctors have reached world-class level so far, yet the lack of publicity and communication hinders the spreading of their reputation in Canada. Last year, the foundation invited the Chinese medical experts to University of Toronto for lectures, and got great positive reflection. Secretary General Li Xikui thanked Mr. Gu Yu’s contribution to the Chinese medical cause and China-Canada friendly exchange, and said further cooperation is highly expected in the future. Then, the two sides have discussion in some cooperation projects. Mr. Zhang Juxiang, Director of China Service Centre for Friendship and Cooperation with Foreign Countries, also attended the meeting.
Australian Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard Visits Beijing at the Invitation of CPAFFC
Australian Former Prime Minister, Chairperson of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Julia Gillard visited Beijing from October 21st to 22nd at the invitation of CPAFFC.
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Vice Premier Liu Yandong met with Gillard on Oct. 22nd in Zhong Nanhai. Liu pointed out that early childhood education (ECE) is a global concern. She briefed Gillard the achievements China had made in this field, and called for international collaboration to further promote the popularization and quality of ECE in China. Gillard said that GPE would actively develop tangible cooperation with China. CPAFFC President Li Xiaolin attended the meeting.
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The main purpose for Gillard’s visit to China was to attend The Fourth International Conference on Poverty Reduction and Child Development which was co-hosted by China Development Research Foundation, Asia-Pacific Regional Network for Early Childhood and “Every Woman Every Child” China Partnership Network. The theme of this conference was “A Bright Start for Every Child”. Vice Premier Liu Yandong attended the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech. Gillard introduced in her speech the progress GPE had made to help children in developing countries to receive early childhood education.
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Gillard also called on Madam Fu Ying, Chairperson of The Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress. Gillard introduced the work of GPE and discussed with Fu of the future cooperation between the two organizations.
Vice President Song Jingwu Meets with Ambassador of Georgia
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On Oct. 22th, CPAFFC Vice President Song Jingwu met with Mr David Aptsiauri, Ambassador of Georgia to China.
Vice President Song extended his welcome to Mr Aptsiauri for his visiting to CPAFFC, and introduced the basic status of the Association and its work to Georgia in recent years.
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Mr Aptsiauri thanked Vice President Song for the meeting, He said that the relations between the two countries have developed rapidly in this year, and more government officials visited China. He hoped that the Cooperation of the Embassy and CPAFFC would be more successful.
Mrs. Hu Chunmei, Associated Counsel of the Department of European and Asian Affairs, Mr. Babunashvili, Minister Counselor of Embassy of Georgia, attended the meeting.
Vice President Song Jingwu Meets with New Ambassdor of Italy, Mr.Ettore Francesco Sequi
On 21st? October, Vice President Song Jingwu met with Mr. Ettore Francesco Sequi, the New Ambassdor of Italy.
The both sides held a discussion on the cooperation between China and Italy on local government communication, culture exchanges and people’s friendship.
On the occassion of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between China and Italy, we believe that biliteral relations will reach a higher stage through joint effort.
Vice President Song Jingwu Attends the Opening Ceremony of The Fourth International Conference on Poverty Reduction and Child Development
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Vice President Song Jingwu attended the opening ceremony of The Fourth International Conference on Poverty Reduction and Child Development and hosted one session of the conference on Oct. 21.
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The Fourth International Conference on Poverty Reduction and Child Development was co-hosted by China Development Research Foundation, Asia-Pacific Regional Network for Early Childhood and “Every Woman Every Child” China Partnership Network. The theme of this conference was “A Bright Start for Every Child”. Vice Premier Liu Yandong attended the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech. Former Minister of Development Research Center of the State Council Wang Mengkui, Deputy Secretary General of the State Council Jiang Xiaojuan, Vice Minister of Ministry of Education Lu Xin, Vice Minister of National Health and Family Planning Commission Wang Guoqiang, Vice Minister of Development Research Center of the State Council Zhang Laiming, Vice Chairperson of All-China Women’s Federation Jiao Yang, Vice Governor of Guizhou Province Chen Mingming and Ministers from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Mongolia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Kingdom of Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Maldives, Vietnam, the United States, Brazil, Nepal, Burma and representatives from UNICEF and Asia-Pacific Regional Network for Early Childhood attended the meeting.
Vice President Song Jingwu attended the opening ceremony and hosted the second session of the first unit. Guests from different countries discussed on the topic of “Development Commitment and Action to end poverty childhood by 2030”. Experiences and practices had been exchanged to promote the realization of these goals.
Vice President Xie Yuan Meets with Mr. Eduardo Sangermano, Member of Leadership Lineup of Civil Association for Cooperation between Argentina and China, CEO of Group San Cristobal
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On Oct. 20th, Mr. Xie Yuan, Vice President of CPAFFC met with Mr. Eduardo Sangermano, Member of Leadership Lineup of Civil Association for Cooperation between Argentina and China, and CEO of Group San Cristobal and his wife.
Mr. Xie Yuan extended his warm welcome to Mr. Eduardo Sangermano for his first visit to China and to CPAFFC’s Compound. He pointed out that Argentina is one of the important Latin American countries. CPAFFC gives high value to the cooperative relations with Argentinean side. It is great willingness for CPAFFC to act as an intermediate for the deeper understanding and communication between enterprises from both sides, as well as hold economical and financial or cultural forum on proper opportunity.
Group San Cristobal has a history of more than 70 years, being one of the largest and strongest insurance company in Argentina. Mr. Eduardo Sangermano extended his gratitude for CPAFFC’s invitation. He said that both Argentinean Government and commercial circle give high attention to our bilateral relations. He will continue to support the work of Civil Association for Cooperation between Argentina and China. Moreover, he is willing to give overall support for CPAFFC’s activities in Argentina.
Reception Marking 55th Anniversary of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and Cuba Held in Beijing
On Oct. 19th, the reception marking the 55th Anniversary of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and Cuba was jointly held by CPAFFC, China-Cuba Friendship Association, China Photographers Association and Cuba Embassy to China in Beijing. Mr. Bai Lichen, President of China- Cuba Friendship Association, Mr. Xie Yuan, Vice President of CPAFFC and China-Cuba Friendship Association, Mr. Qian Hongshan, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and H.E. Mr. Alberto J. Blanco Silva, Cuban Ambassador to China,? attended the reception.??
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?In his remarks, Mr. Xie Yuan pointed out that Cuba is the first Latin American Country to establish Diplomatic Relations with China. Despite the distance between the two countries, people’s friendship has enjoyed a long history. Over the past half a century, peoples’ friendship has been deeply rooted among the two peoples. Both sides have laid firm basis on multiple cooperation and the economical and commercial relations enjoyed steady development. Last July, President Xi Jinping has realized a state visit to Cuba, which pointed out the way of the development of bilateral relations on the new period. The China-Cuba relations enjoy remarkable achievement on mutual and beneficial cooperation and maturity which shows a great vitality.
H.E. Mr. Alberto J. Blanco Silva, Cuban Ambassador to China reviewed the friendly communication between the two peoples, especially the deep friendship between the leaders from both sides since the establishment of diplomatic relations. He spoke highly of the close communication between CPAFFC and Cuba Friendship Association with Foreign Countries
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Representatives from International Liaison Department of the Central Committee of the CPC, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Culture, members of China- Cuba Friendship Association, as well as diplomats of Cuban Embassy to China and other more than 100 guests were present at the reception. China Photographers Association has held the exhibition called Cuba in Chinese Eyes on the occasion. Pupils from China-Cuba Friendship Primary School and Cuban musicians presented fascinating shows on the reception.
China-Japan Friendship Association Confers the Title of China-Japan Friendship Ambassador Upon Genjirō Kaneko
On Oct. 19, Mr. Tang Jiaxuan, President of China-Japan Friendship Association, conferred the title of China-Japan Friendship Ambassador upon Mr. Genjirō Kaneko, Japanese Senator and former?Governor?of?Nagasaki, in Beijing. Mr. Song Jinwu, Vice President?of CPAFFC, Ms. Wang Xiuyun, Vice President of China-Japan Friendship Association, Mr. Yang Yu, Counselor of Chinese Foreign Ministry Asian Affairs, Mr. Teng Anjun, former Consul General of the Chinese Consulate-General in Nagasaki, Mr. Li Wenliang, former Consul General of the Chinese Consulate-General in Nagasaki, Mr. Yamamoto Kyoji, Minster of Embassy of Japan in China, and representatives of Nagasaki attended the activity.???
Mr. Tang Jiaxuan said, during being the governor?of?Nagasaki, Mr. Genjirō Kaneko was actively engaged in China-Japan friendship cause and enhanced Nagasaki’s friendly exchanges and practical cooperation with provinces and cities in China, making great effort and contribution to strengthening friendship between Chinese and Japanese people, and promoting healthy and stable development of China-Japan relations. It is expected that Mr. Genjirō Kaneko can continuously care and support the China-Japan friendly cause, making greater and innovative contribution to the local-level communication between the two countries, furthering the development of bilateral relations.
Mr. Genjirō Kaneko thanked China-Japan Friendship Association for conferring such honorable title upon him, and looked back his contacting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and China-Japan Friendship Association’s President Tang Jiaxuan, and his experience of visiting China. He said that, this honor not only belongs to himself, but also to all the Nagasaki citizens who make extensive long-term exchanges with China. In the future, he will act as a true “ China-Japan Friendship Ambassador”, ?sparing?no?effort?in enhancing the communication between Nagasaki and China.?
Mr.Genjirō Kaneko had been consecutively selected as governor?of?Nagasaki for three times since 1998. He left his post in 2010; in the same year, he was selected as a Senator of Japan. During in charge of Nagasaki, he and his delegation visited China for 19 times, actively promoting the friendly exchanges and cooperation between Nagasaki and Fujian; especially when 1998 Yangtze River Basin catastrophic floods and 2008 Wenchuan earthquake occurred, he personally solicit benefactions for earthquake victims on street in Nagasaki, giving the victims valuable spiritual and material support.