Deputy Secretary-General Zhang Yangbin Attends the 2024 Guizhou International Friendly City Exchange and Cooperation Conference and Delivers a Speech
On September 9, the 2024 Guizhou International Friendly City Exchange and Cooperation Conference, themed "Jointly Discussing Friendship and Cooperation, Promoting Open Development", was successfully held in Guiyang. Guizhou Province Governor Li Bingjun, Vice Governor Cai chaolin, and other provincial leaders attended the conference, alongside guests from 32 international friendly cities and regions across 15 countries. Deputy Secretary-General Zhang Yangbin attended the meeting and delivered a speech.Zhang Yangbin said?that international friendly cities serve as an important channel for friendly exchanges between localities and peoples, as well as a critical?foundation and strong support for relations?between China and foreign countries. President Xi Jinping has emphasized the importance of actively promoting China's international friendship?city initiatives, fostering exchanges between local and foreign governments, and realizing resource sharing, complementary advantages, and win-win cooperation. Since the establishment of the first friendship?city relationship in 1973, Chinese local governments have forged over 3,000 pairs of friendship?provincial and city relationships with counterparts in 147 countries?and regions, creating a vast international network of friends and partners spanning five continents.Zhang further pointed out that the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC?Central?Committee has laid out systematic plans to further deepen comprehensive reforms and advance Chinese-style modernization. This will undoubtedly open up broader development opportunities for cooperation between international friendly cities. The Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries is eager to play its role as a bridge, facilitating the establishment of friendships between Chinese cities and their global counterparts, enhancing mutual understanding and friendship among nations, deepening local exchanges and pragmatic cooperation, and contributing to the shared well-being of all peoples. He expressed that together, efforts will be made to build a community with a shared future for mankind.
Vice President Jiang Jiang Meets with the Head of Northern Ireland Bureau China Kerry Curran
On September 13, Vice President Jiang Jiang met with Kerry Curran, the newly appointed Head of Northern Ireland Bureau China, at the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. Both sides exchanged views on strengthening people-to-people exchanges?and promoting regional cooperation.
2024 "My Story of Chinese Hanzi" International Story Competition Concludes in Chengdu
On September 10, the finals of the 2024 "My Story of Chinese Hanzi" International Story Competition, hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and organized by the Chengdu Municipal People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, along with the Sichuan Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries?and Chengdu University, was?successfully held in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. Vice President Yan Dong of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and Wang Qian, Vice Mayor of Chengdu, attended and delivered speeches.Yan stated that writing serves as a witness to history, a guardian of tradition, and a transmitter of civilization. "Civilization becomes vibrant through exchange, and it enriches through mutual learning. Civilizational exchange and mutual learning are vital driving forces for advancing human civilization and world peace". In March 2023, President Xi Jinping first proposed the Global Civilization Initiative, advocating for the coexistence and mutual learning of different civilizations. This year's event, themed "Trust", aims to further convey the core values of Chinese culture, unite global cooperation consensus, and promote shared values of humanity and the concept of a community with a shared future?for mankind.Yan remarked that the world, era, and history are changing in unprecedented ways, but honesty and integrity remain our unwavering values. He expressed hope that participants would use Chinese characters as a medium to become ambassadors of friendly exchanges between different civilizations, promoting civilizational exchanges and mutual learning to create a more prosperous and peaceful future for humanity.Ten contestants from the United States, Congo (Brazzaville), Egypt, France/South Africa, Pakistan, Russia, Serbia, Sweden, Togo, and Vietnam shared their insights on Chinese culture and told stories of "trust", each expressing their connection to Chinese characters. Ultimately, the contestant from France/South Africa, Luo Yase, won the grand prize, while others received first, second, and third prizes. Zheng Yongzhen from the University of Seoul?won the overseas excellence award.The?"My Story of Chinese Hanzi"?International Story Competition, initiated by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, has been held for four consecutive years since 2021, with nearly ten thousand foreign Chinese learners from over 80 countries/regions?participating, collectively writing a beautiful story of civilizational mutual learning and mutual trust.
Vice President Jiang Jiang Meets with Chairman Knappen of the Netherlands China Friendship Association
On September 2, Vice President Jiang Jiang met with Knappen, Chairman of the Netherlands China Friendship Association, at the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. Both sides exchanged views on strengthening cooperation between their organizations and promoting people-to-people exchanges between China and the Netherlands.
Vice President Yuan Mindao Meets with San Marino China Friendship Association Delegation
On August 29, Vice President Yuan Mindao met with the San Marino China Friendship Association?delegation led by President Barbara Terenzi in Beijing.Yuan stated that San Marino and China have consistently adhered to mutual respect and equal benefits, establishing a model for harmonious coexistence and win-win cooperation between countries of different sizes, systems, and cultures. The Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries is willing to strengthen cooperation with the San Marino China Friendship Association?to make new contributions to the development of relations between China and San Marino.Terenzi expressed gratitude for the warm reception and noted that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The San Marino China Friendship Association?extends its warm congratulations. The delegation hopes to gain a comprehensive understanding of China's achievements in recent years through this friendship trip and is committed to introducing a real and comprehensive China to the people of San Marino and Europe.
Successful Meeting Between General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of Vietnam To Lam and Representatives of Chinese Proponents of Vietnam-China Friendship
On August 18, 2024, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations co-hosted a meeting in Guangzhou between the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of Vietnam To?Lam?and representatives of Chinese proponents of Vietnam-China friendship.Huang Kunming, a member of the Political Bureau and Secretary of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, attended and delivered a speech. Approximately?150 representatives from Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, and other provinces, along with main members of To?Lam's delegation and diplomats from the Vietnamese Embassy in China, attended the event. Vice President Jiang Jiang of the CPAFFC delivered a speech, while Vice President Yuan Mindao presided over the event.During the event, To?Lam?took commemorative photos with the representatives of Chinese proponents of Vietnam-China friendship?and delivered a keynote speech. He expressed his deep gratitude on behalf of the Party, the government, and the people of Vietnam for the long-standing support provided by the Party, the government, and the people of China during Vietnam's revolutionary struggle and in its current national development. To?Lam?emphasized that Vietnam places great importance on its relationship with China, regarding it as a top priority. He stressed the commitment to carrying forward the traditional friendship that was personally forged by the older generations of leaders from both countries, including Ho Chi Minh?and Mao Zedong. To?Lam?expressed his hope that the "profound Vietnam-China friendship, from comradeship to brotherhood" will continue to grow in a healthy, stable, and pragmatic manner, bringing greater benefits to both nations. He called on the friendship advocates from both sides to work together to ensure that this special relationship is passed on through generations, to further deepen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and to make significant contributions to building a Vietnam-China community with shared strategic interests.At the meeting, Yu Shuhui, a former medical worker from Nanxishan Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region who provided aid in Vietnam, and Su Airong, a researcher from the Guangdong Revolutionary History Museum, shared their personal experiences of Vietnam-China friendship. Both pledged to continue to uphold and promote the traditional friendship between the two nations, contributing to the ongoing narrative of "comradeship turning into brotherhood" in Vietnam-China relations.The meeting concluded with the performance of the friendship song "Vietnam-China", which further enhanced the warm and amicable atmosphere of the event.
Vice President Yan Dong Meets with Jordanian Senate Delegation
On August 5, Vice President Yan Dong met with Issa Murad, Chairman of the Senate Jordan-China Friendship Committee, and his delegation at the CPAFFC. The two sides engaged in in-depth discussions on China-Jordan relations and issues of mutual interest regarding people-to-people exchanges. Also in attendance were Hussam Husseini,?Jordanian Ambassador to China, and Ji Yongjun, Director?General?of the?Department?of ?Asian and African Affairs of the CPAFFC.Yan Dong emphasized that Jordan is a vital partner for China in promoting peace and development. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the political trust between the two nations has deepened, and pragmatic cooperation in various fields has continuously advanced under the strategic direction of the leaders of China and Jordan. As a national organization dedicated to people-to-people?diplomacy, the CPAFFC is committed to working alongside Jordanian friends from all sectors to enhance cultural exchanges, foster practical sub-national?cooperation, and promote youth engagement. He also highlighted the successful conclusion of the Third?Plenary?Session?of?the?20th?CPC?Central?Committee, which introduced over 300 major reform initiatives, including one focused on expanding high-level openness. Yan expressed the hope that both sides could seize this opportunity to further strengthen cooperation, broaden channels for exchanges, and continue to deepen mutual understanding, thereby contributing to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.Senator Issa Murad reaffirmed Jordan’s commitment to developing its relations with China and praised China’s fair and just stance on the Palestinian issue. He expressed hope that China would play an even greater role in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. Murad also noted that last year, Jordan and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly advance the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He underscored Jordan’s willingness to strengthen policy coordination, deepen trade relations, promote people-to-people exchanges, and enhance cooperation in the fields of culture, economy, and tourism under the principles of consultation, contribution and shared benefits, with the aim of further developing the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Vice President Yuan Mindao Meets with Delegation from the Hokkaido Japan-China Friendship Association
On August 5, Vice President Yuan Mindao met with the delegation from the Hokkaido Japan-China Friendship Association, led by its President?Shiroki Nobutaka, in Beijing.Yuan commended the association for its long-standing dedication to promoting friendly exchanges between China and Japan, particularly for the support extended during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Beijing Winter Olympics. He emphasized that the foundation of China-Japan friendship lies in grassroots engagement. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the CPAFFC, and Yuan expressed a desire to seize this opportunity to collaborate with insightful individuals from sectors in Japan to advance exchanges and cooperation in local and cultural fields. The goal is to strengthen public support for China-Japan friendship and ensure the steady and long-term development of bilateral relations.Shiroki expressed gratitude for the warm reception and highlighted that this year is the 60th anniversary of the Hokkaido Japan-China Friendship Association. He stated that the delegation’s visit aims to study the history of China-Japan relations and observe China’s recent achievements in economic and social development. By reflecting on history and focusing on the future, Shiroki expressed a commitment to further enhancing exchanges, especially among young people, to continuously advance the cause of China-Japan friendship through grassroots efforts.
Vice President Yuan Mindao Meets with Japanese LDP Member Abe Toshiko and Delegation
On August 1, Vice President Yuan Mindao met with Japanese Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) member Abe Toshiko and her delegation?in Beijing. Among the delegation were?Yata Wakako, Assistant to the Prime Minister, National Democratic Party?Senator?Ito Takae,?Independent Senator?Hirayama Sachiko,?as well as key representatives from the Japanese Embassy in China, including?Yokochi Akira,?Minister-Counselor of the Japanese Embassy in China and Zhang Xiaoping, Deputy Director General of the Department?of Eastern Asian Affairs.Vice President Yuan welcomed Abe’s second visit to China within three months, commending her positive efforts in fostering and advancing China-Japan relations. He expressed his willingness to collaborate with Japanese lawmakers and other insightful figures to further enhance bilateral exchanges and cooperation in economy, sub-national?government, culture, youth engagement?and other fields.Abe and the members of her delegation remarked that their visit provided them with a more comprehensive and objective understanding of China’s recent progress, as well as the state of Japan-China exchanges and cooperation across sectors. They emphasized their commitment to promoting mutual understanding and deepening cooperation through continued dialogue, thereby contributing to the steady improvement and development of bilateral relations.At the invitation of the CPAFFC, Abe Toshiko and her delegation visited Dalian, Beijing, and other cities from July 30 to August 3. During their time in Dalian, they were received by Xiong Maoping, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Liaoning Provincial Committee and Secretary of the CPC Dalian Municipal Committee.
The 11th National Council Meeting of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries Concludes in Beijing
Beijing, August 2, Xinhua — The 11th National Council Meeting of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) concluded in Beijing on August 2. The meeting reviewed and approved the work report of the 10th National Council, the report on amendments to the statutes, and the resolutions of the 11th National Council Meeting. It also elected the members of the 11th Executive Council, as well as the President, Vice Presidents, and Secretary-General.The meeting called on the entire CPAFFC system to unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core. It emphasized the need to assume a more proactive historical responsibility and embrace a more dynamic spirit of innovation. The goal is to open a new chapter for people-to-people diplomacy in the new era, and to work in solidarity towards the realization of national rejuvenation and the building of a strong country, while contributing to the advancement of a community with a shared future for mankind.