CPAFFC Vice President Song Jingwu Meets with JEUNE President Patrik Kovács
On May 23, 2018, CPAFFC Vice President Song Jingwu met with Patrik Kovács, President of Young Entrepreneurs Organization of European?union?(JEUNE),?and?discussed exchanges?and?cooperation between Chinese?and?European youth.
Song Jingwu said that 2018 marked the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China?and?the EU. With frequent exchange of visits between Chinese?and?European leaders, the China-EU relations are full of opportunities for long-term development. The CPAFFC was willing to cooperate with JEUNE to strengthen the exchanges between Chinese?and?European youth.
Patrik Kovács appreciated the CPAFFC’s contributions to the multi-field?and?in-depth development of the China-EU relations,?and?expressed his hope for more pragmatic cooperation with the CPAFFC.
The two sides exchanged views on organizing Chinese youth study tours to Europe?and?establishing the office of JEUNE in China.
JEUNE is the biggest organization representing young entrepreneurs across Europe with more than 1.66 million members from 22 countries. It is committed to helping European young entrepreneurs start?and?further exchanges?and?cooperation with young people from other countries in the world.
Lv Hongwei, Deputy Director General of European?and?Asian Affairs, was present at the meeting.?????
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The Fourth China-U.S. Governors Forum Held in Chengdu
The Fourth China-U.S. Governors Forum, co-hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries?and?Sichuan Provicial People’s Government, was held in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province on May 22. The theme of the forum was Win-win Cooperation?and?Shared Development. Vice Chairman Wu Weihua of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Secretary Peng Qinghua of CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee, President Li Xiaolin of the CPAFFC, Governor Yin Li of Sichuan Provincial People’s Government, Governor Wang Wentao of Heilongjiang Provincial People’s Government, Executive Vice Governor Chen Xiangqun of Hunan Provincial People’s Government, Vice Governor Xia Yanjun of Hebei Provincial People’s Government, Ambassador Terry Branstad of the U.S. to China, Governor Bill Walker of Alaska, Lieutenant Governor John Sanchez of New Mexico,?and?representatives from the States of California, Michigan, Ohio?and?Iowa State Economic Development Agency attended the forum. Governor Jerry Brown of California, Governor Rick Snyder of Michigan, Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York?and?Governor Jay Inslee of Washington sent videos?or?letters of congratulations to the forum. Discussions around trade?and?investment, green development, innovation driven economy were carried out among 350 attendees from Chinese?and?U.S. governments?and?businesses to tap into the potential for China-U.S. sub-national cooperation, striving for practical achievements.
Vice Chairman Wu Weihua said at the opening ceremony that after 40 years, with joint efforts between the two countries, China-U.S. cooperation has expanded extensively, forming an interdependence under which circumstances one can not be isolated from the other. Chinese President Xi Jinping made it clear at this year’s Boao Forum for Asia that China will open its doors wider to the outside world. China will relax its control on market access,?create?a more favorable business climate, strengthen intellectual property rights protection?and?increase importation. In this process, Chinese provinces are willing to cooperate with U.S. states in trade?and?in trade?and?investment, green development?and?innovation driven economy. China welcomes U.S. states?and?their businesses to participate in its high-quality development, making shared development?and?win-win cooperation.
Secretary Peng Qinghua said, as one of the economic, resources, personnel, science?and?technology powerhouses of China, Sichuan is endowed with a sound base for exchanges?and?cooperation with the U.S.?and?other regions, possessing a great potential. Sichuan wishes to take the forum as an opportunity to perfect cooperation mechanism, expand friendly exchanges,?and?deepen cooperation in trade?and?investment, education, science?and?technology, green?and?low-carbon development, as well as people-to-people exchanges, resulting in a win-win?and?mutually beneficial situation.
President Li Xiaolin said, as one of the most important China-U.S. sub-national cooperation mechanisms, China-U.S. Governors Form has been supported by national?and?sub-national leaders as well as people from all walks of life from both countries. She also hoped attendees to the forum carry out extensive discussions to provide more ideas?and?strategies to promote the development of China-U.S. relationship?and?sub-national relationship, promoting common development?and?world peace?and?prosperity through exchanges?and?cooperation.
Ambassador Branstad had attended all three previous forums?and?expressed his pleasure to attend the fourth forum as Ambassador. He said that sub-national cooperation was bedrock of U.S.-China relationship. The forum had been playing an important role in promoting sub-national cooperation in trade?and?investment, culture, agriculture, environment protection, education?and?sports, bringing benefits to people of the two countries.
The China-U.S. Governors Forum was established in 2011 under the consensus of the state leaders of the two countries. Since then three forums?and?two rounds of dialogues have been held, with total participation of 26 Chinese provincial leaders?and?33 U.S. governors. It has received great care?and?support from the national leaders?and?all social sectors of the two countries, providing an important platform for China-U.S. sub-national cooperation.
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Potographed by Department of American?and?Asian Affairs
Chinese and U.S. Governors on China-U.S. Sub-national Cooperation at the Fourth China-U.S. Governors Forum
Secretary Peng Qinghua of CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee: The China-U.S. Governors Forum serves as a platform?where?sub-national leaders exchange ideas?and?sub-national cooperation are carried out. With its theme Win-win Cooperation?and?Shared Development, the forum echoes with the voice of the era?and?meets the expectations of all sides. We would?like?to take the forum as an opportunity to perfect cooperation mechanism, expand friendly exchanges?and?deepen practical cooperation with U.S. states in trade?and?investment, education?and?scientific innovation, green?and?low-carbon development,?and?people-to-people exchanges, creating a win-win, mutual-learning?and?mutually beneficial relationship.
Governor Yin Li of Sichuan Province: Green development is the trend of our time?and?common goal of both countries. This forum has put green development on its agenda as an act to conform to the global trend of low-carbon development?and?of responsibility to jointly promote green?and?sustainable development. There exists a solid foundation?and?great potential in ecological construction, green industry?and?clean energy. Sichuan will, as always, work with people from all sectors of society of the U.S. to push forward green development through opening-up?and?win-win cooperation.
Governor Wang Wentao of Heilongjiang Province: As the world enters an era of economic globalization, bilateral, multilateral?and?regional cooperation has become a realistic choice for different countries in the world. As the geographically closest Chinese province to U.S. mainland, Heilongjiang wishes to play a more important role in the mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries. Heilongjiang also expects to strengthen its cooperation with U.S. states in agriculture, tourism, high-tech industry, modern manufacturing?and?service industry.
Executive Vice Governor Chen Xiangqun of Hunan Province: Green development serves as an important foundation for the construction of a community of shared future. It also points to the correct direction for the development of world economy. Hunan hopes increase exchanges?and?communication with its American counterparts, share its green development mechanism, work with the U.S. states in the development of green industry, clean energy?and?tourism industry. We might make green development an opportunity to enhance our mutually beneficial relationship.
Vice Governor Xia Yanjun of Hebei Province: Trade?and?investment is the common concern of all countries?and?regions of the world. It is also a crucial ingredient for economic development. Hebei province attaches great importance to trade?and?investment cooperation with the U.S. The One Belt One Road initiative, the Co-ordinated Development of Beijing, Tianjin?and?Hebei, the planning?and?construction of Xiong’an New Area,?and?the preparation for the 2022 Winter Olympics are seen as great opportunities for Hebei. It also provide a huge market?and?great potential for the province’s cooperation with the U.S, which we wish to push forward in areas such as trade, investment?and?people-to-people exchanges.
Governor Bill Walker of Alaska: Alaska appreciates its relationship with Chinese provinces?and?hopes to work with its Chinese counterparts in a myriad of areas based on this relationship. Alaska is rich in natural gas, which China is in great need of. Our joint efforts in this regard have been supported by Presidents of both countries. We are working to start a direct flight from Alaska to China, which will bring Chinese commodities?and?tourists to Alaska. We also hope to export more goods to China.
Governor Jerry Brown of California: It is crucially important to convene American?and?Chinese governors, discussing topics such as trade?and?economics?and?clean energy, enhancing mutual understanding?and?practical cooperation. As is known to all, global economy is facing great challenge, but that challenge cannot be compared with the challenge of climate change. I encourage all parties to take more measures to counter climate change, including carbon trade, green construction, energy conservation devices, renewable energy,?and?zero emission vehicles. This work is of great importance to not only Chinese?and?American sub-national governments, but to other countries as well.
Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York: More than ever before, New York State is committed to exploring opportunities for cultural exchange?and?to encouraging foreign partnership?and?investment. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our important cultural relationship with the Chinese community-both here in New York?and?abroad-and to achieving our shared goals together in the months ahead.
Governor Jay Inslee of Washington: As is known to all, the U.S.-China Governors Forum provides a unique opportunity to raise both peoples’ awareness?and?morale to stand up together to difficult challenges. As such, I encourage each participants carry on with your efforts, making new achievements in key areas such as climate change?and?economic development.
Lieutenant Governor John Sanchez of New Mexico: The similarities between the U.S.?and?China outweigh their differences. More than ever, both countries need to build more trust with each other. As the third largest energy producer in the U.S., New Mexico is actively developing renewable energy, diversifying our economy?and?creating more jobs. We would?like?to work with China, along with 49 other states of the U.S., striding forward in the face of our common challenges.
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Photographed by Department of American?and?Oceanian Affairs
Vice President Lin Yi Meets with Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea German Sima
On May 21st, Mme Lin Yi, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met with H.E.Mr. German Ekua Sima Abaga, Ambassador of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea to China in Beijing.
Mme Lin said that in recent years, the CPAFFC had worked closely with the Embassy of Equatorial Guinea in China,?and?had frequent contact with the Association of Equatorial Guinean Graduates of China. The people-to-people communication channels with Equatorial Guinea are unimpeded.
Ambassador Sima spoke highly of the positive role played by CPAFFC in promoting the relations between China?and?Equatorial Guinea,?and?believed that enhancing mutual understanding between peoples is of great significance in promoting the bilateral relations.
Mme Tang Ruimin, Deputy Inspector of Department of Asian?and?African Affairs of CPAFFC attended the meeting.
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Photographed by Yang Huiwen
Vice Premier Liu He Meets with Major U.S. Delegates Attending the Fourth China-U.S. Governors Forum
Liu He, member of the political bureau of the CPC central committee, vice premier of the State Council, met with Governor Walker of Alaska, Lieutenant Governor Sanchez of New Mexico?and?other major U.S. delegates attending the Forth China-U.S. Governors Forum in Beijing on May 21st.
Liu He said that he just came back to Beijing from Washington D.C. During his visit, the two sides had conducted positive, tangible?and?fruitful discussions on China-U.S. Trade issue?and?reached important consensus, which would be beneficial for peoples in both countries?and?all around the world. The China-U.S. Governors Forum is an important sub-national exchanges mechanism between the two countries. He hoped delegates from the U.S. take this forum as an opportunity to promote practical cooperation at the sub-national level, promoting further development of bilateral relationship.
Walker?and?Sanchez said the whole world were celebrating the consensus reached by our countries in trade issue. They hoped to further cooperate with Chinese localities in trade, investment, green development?and?innovation, making further contribution to the development of bilateral relationship.
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Photographed by Mu Liyi
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Vice President Song Jingwu Meets Russian Cultural Center Director General O.Melynikova
Mr. Song Jingwu, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with visiting Mme. O.Melynikova, Director General of Russian Cultural Center (RCC)?and?Cultural Counselor of the Russian Embassy in China on May 21st.
President Song extended welcome to O. Melynikova. He said, Counselor O. Melynikova had paid several official visits to CPAFFC after taking office, which indicates the support she had given in?and?the attention she had paid to the friendly cause of the peoples between China?and?Russia. We appreciated for it. O. Melynikova said that RCC actively developed the exchanges of the two countries in the fields of humanity?and?culture including arts?and?education in recent years?and?paid high attention to the pragmatic cooperation of the peoples between the two countries. RCC would?like?to work together with CPAFFC to develop the exchanges. Both sides also exchanged their views on the topics concerning the cooperation of the local governments, the exchanges of the youth between China?and?Russia,?and?the preparations for Mitrovanova’s upcoming visit to China, who is new Director of the Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States, Compatriots Living Abroad?and?International Humanitarian Cooperation (ROSSOTRUDNICHESTVO).
Mme. Hu Chunmei, Associated Counsel of Department of European?and?Asian Affairs of CPAFFC,?and?Secretary General of China?and?Russia Friendship Association, was present.
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Photographed by Zheng Chen
Vice President Hu Sishe Meets with Delegation of the Nordhessen Univerity of Applied Science from Germany
On May 15th, Vice President Hu Sishe met with Delegation of the Nordhessen Univerity of applied Science from Germany leading by its president Mrs. Michaella Zilling.
Vice President Hu Sishe greeted the visit of the Nordhessen University of applied Science. He said, the vocational?and?technical Education in Germany has always been a role model for China to learn from in the relevant fields. Training?and?instructing the students according to their classification would be an important trend for the development of Chinese education in the future. The Chinese-German Nursing Exchange Project which was carried by CSC (China Service Center for Friendship?and?Cooperation with Foreign Countries) was a pilot project of CPAFFC aiming to educate talents mastering applied technology. CPAFFC hoped to work together with Nordhessen Univerity of applied Science to broaden the cooperation areas, so that the bridge for deeper communication?and?exchange between China?and?Germany in education could be built.
Mrs. Michaella Zilling, president of the university thanked vice president Hu for this meeting. She introduced the history?and?the subject setting of the university. Nordhessen University of applied Science has much? experiences for cooperation with Chinese Colleges. The vocational applied technology related majors are also the advantage majors of the university. Nordhessen University has a strong interest in cooperating with China on vocational education?and?is willing to work with CPAFFC to promote exchanges?and?cooperation in the field of education between China?and?Germany.
After the meeting, CSC-Director Zhang Juxiang introduced the CSC?and?the Chinese-German Nursing Exchange Project to the guests?and?both sides had a good communication about the concerned issues?and?exchange thoughts.
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Vice President Hu Sishe Meets with the Vienna Flute Mozartet
Vice President Hu Sishe met with the Vienna Flute Mozartet on 15th May.
Mr. Hu Sishe welcomed the artists for performing in China. He said that Chinese people has long been fond of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra?and?music of Mozart. As Culture?and?Music are vital parts of the exchanges for the two countries, CPAFFC is willing to conduct deep cooperation with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra?and?the Vienna Flute Mozartet?and?promote the mutual exchanges between our two peoples?and?the artists.
Dieter Flury, the head of the Vienna Flute Mozartet, former? General Manager?and?the Principle Flute of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, said that Austrian President?and?Premier together with a delegation visited China earlier this year, showing great importance to China-Austria ties,?and?the four artists are very glad to perform in China in the wake of their official visit.
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Photographed by Jing Ruoxi
Nongovernmental Organizations Dialogue of Members of Shanghai Cooperation Organization and 3rd China- Central Asia Cooperation Dialogue Held in Beijing
Sponsored by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), co-organized by China-Central Asia Friendship Association ( CCAFA)?and?China Friendship Foundation for Peace?and?Development (CFFPD), organized by China Next Generation Education Foundation (CNGEF), Nongovernmental Organizations Dialogue of Members of Shanghai Cooperation Organization?and?3rd China-Central Asia Cooperation Dialogue was held successfully in Beijing on May, 15th.
Mr. Song Jingwu, Vice President of CPAFFC?and?CCAFA, Mr. Wu Hongbin?and?Mr.Hong Jiuyin, Vice Presidents of CCAFA, Mr. Zhang Chaohui, Director-General of Youth Volunteer Action?and?Guidance Center of?the Communist Youth League of China (CYLC) Central Committee, Mme. Wu Juan, Secretary General of CNGEF,?and?leaders from friendly organizations of members of Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO) in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzs, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Sri Lanka?and?etc., were present?and?delivered speeches. On the opening ceremony, CCAFA together with Kyrgyz People's Congress signed a cooperation agreement with Uzbekistan Cares for Next Generation Foundation (UCNGF).
Vice President Song Jingwu pointed out that, with the developing of the construction of the Belt?and?Road Initiative, the friendly exchanges of the peoples between the members of SCO had been promoted comprehensively, the mutual understanding?and?mutual trust of the peoples among the different countries had been increasingly strengthened?and?the mutual respect?and?mutual trust among different civilizations, regions, races?and?religions had also been continuously consolidated. As a nongovernmental friendly organization, the Nongovernmental Organization of members of SCO plays a unique role in building a bridge to exchange, conveying people’s willingness?and?uniting people’s power. It is an important partner of SCO during the development. This dialogue was an important opportunities to exchange for the nongovernmental organizations of members of SCO,?and?it would further enhance the mutual understanding?and?friendship.
Organizing this dialogue was to assist the SCO Qingdao Summit, to promote the exchanges of peoples among members of SCO?and?to enhance the pragmatic cooperation in the field of culture. With the theme of charity?and?professional education, the dialogue aims at adhering to the Shanghai Spirit, implementing the peoples’ intention?and?delivering benefits to people in SCO. This dialogue is also the continuing of the China- Central Asia Cooperation Dialogue organized by CPAFFC. Over 70 personages from nongovernmental organizations of members of SCO, charities, embassies?and?the fields of education, academic, media?and?etc., attended the dialogue. Xinhua News Agency, CCTV-13, CCTV-Pусский, CRI?and?other mainstream media made widely report on this activity.
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Photographed by Feng Miao
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Vice President Xie Yuan Attends the Forum‘Exploring Marx’s Thoughts—Marking the 200th Anniversary of Marx's Birth’
On May 14th, Vice President Xie Yuan attended the forum ‘Exploring Marx’s Thoughts—Marking the 200th Anniversary of Marx’s Birth’ in Yan'an, Shaanxi Province. The forum was co-held by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries,?Yan'an Municipal Committee of CPC?and?the People’s Government of Yan'an. It is of great significance to summarize the journey of the exploration of Marx’s thoughts in Europe?and?to promote the localization, modernization?and?popularization of Marxism in China.
The forum was divided into three sessions, i.e., Marxism?and?Human Development, Reform?and?Opening-up?and?the Localization of Marxism,?and?Marxism?and?Youth’s Mission. Yan Hanping, deputy secretary of Yan'an Municipal Committee of CPC, Zhang Maizeng, party secretary of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Yang Zhihe, director of the Academic Affairs Department of China Executive Leadership Academy of Yan'an, Xie Yuan, Vice President of CPAFFC were invited?and?delivered keynote speeches.
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Deputy secretary Yan Hanping stated that Yan'an is an important place for the localization of Marxism. The three great leaps taken place in China were all related to Yan'an. In the future, Yan'an will continue to develop with the Yan'an spirit. Party secretary Zhang Maizeng pointed out Marx is a thoughtful, innovative?and?diligent figure. His thoughts are people-centered?and?practice-oriented. It is of profound historical?and?practical significance to explore why China had chosen Marxism. Vice president Xie Yuan spoke highly of the signing of the memorandum between Yan'an?and?Trier to establish a friendship-city relation. He recommended Yan'an to invite the mayor of Trier to visit Yan'an as soon as possible?and?promote practical cooperation between the two cities, especially strengthen exchanges?and?interactions among the youth.
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The forum also invited professors from Central Party History Research Institute, Renmin University of China, China Foreign Affairs University, Beijing Normal University, China Executive Leadership Academy of Yan'an, Party History Research Office of Yan'an?and?Yan'an University to jointly discuss the understanding of Marxism?and?its localization in China. Meanwhile, PhD. candidates from China, Germany, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Laos?and?Nepal participated in the forum to share their views.
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