Vice President Jiang Jiang Visits Bulgaria
From October 27 to 30, 2024, Jiang Jiang, Vice President?of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), led a delegation to Bulgaria at the invitation of the?Bulgaria National Association for the Belt and Road.?During the visit, Jiang attended the China-Bulgaria Subnational Cooperation and Exchange?Meeting and?met with prominent Bulgarian figures, including Petar Stoyanov, former President of the Republic of Bulgaria; Svetlan Stoev, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?of Bulgaria; Iskra Doumkova, Secretary-General of the Federation for Bulgarian-Chinese Friendship;?Zahari Zahariev, Chairman of?the Bulgaria National Association for the Belt and Road; Blagomir Kotsev, Mayor of Varna; Velin Paskov, Chairman of the Bulgarian-China Society-Varna; and?Roumen Novakov, President of the "Friends of China" Association in Targovishte. Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Dai Qingli accompanied Jiang during the meetings.Jiang?noted?that Bulgaria is the second country in the world to establish diplomatic relations with?the People's?Republic of China. Over the past decades,?the two countries have built a strong, traditional friendship. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, the bilateral relationship has been elevated to a strategic partnership. The mutual political trust has deepened, economic and trade cooperation?has flourished, and people-to-people exchanges?have become increasingly close.?As an association engaged in people-to-people diplomacy, the CPAFFC?cherishes?the traditional friendly relations with Bulgaria and is willing to work with?people from?all?sectors of society in Bulgaria to strengthen exchanges, build consensus, contribute more strength at the subnational and people-to-people levels to the development of China-Bulgaria relations, and jointly write a new chapter of?mutually beneficial cooperation.Bulgarian representatives praised the remarkable progress in China-Bulgaria relations over the 75 years since diplomatic ties were established in 1949.?They emphasized the critical role of?people-to-people exchanges?and subnational cooperation in advancing the bilateral relations?and expressed their readiness to collaborate with the CPAFFC to deepen exchanges and cooperation across all sectors, injecting fresh momentum into the continuous development?of the China-Bulgaria strategic partnership.In his speech at the China-Bulgaria subnational cooperation and exchange?meeting, Jiang pointed out that the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China has made systematic deployments?for further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization?and that China's development will provide a broader space for China-Bulgaria cooperation. Sub-national exchanges, an integral part of China-Bulgaria cooperation, provide strong support for the development of bilateral relations. Jiang encouraged the localities of the two countries to work together to bolster people-to-people exchanges, enhance?mutual understanding,?deepen practical cooperation?and?realize common development, reinforce people-to-people exchanges?and foster closer people-to-people ties, and promote friendship among youth, paving the way for a bright future.The exchange meeting was attended by representatives of local governments and businesspeople?from 17 provinces and cities in China and Bulgaria, both physically and virtually. Participants shared insights into their respective development priorities and unique strengths, engaging in?in-depth discussions on aligning development strategies?and expanding cooperation in all fields.
2024 Photo Exhibition of Historic and Cultural Cities of Lancang-Mekong Countries Held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang
On October 29, the 2024 Photo Exhibition of Historic and Cultural Cities of Lancang-Mekong Countries?was held in Hangzhou, the?capital of Zhejiang?Province.Approximately 160?guests?visited?the exhibition before attending the 2024 Forum on Lancang-Mekong Local Government Cooperation and Dialogue Between Historic and Cultural Cities of Lancang-Mekong Countries. Chinese attendees included?Lu Shan, Vice Governor of Zhejiang Province;?Sun Xueqing, Secretary-General of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), and heads from?33?local governments, foreign affairs offices,?and friendship associations. Representatives from Mekong countries included M.R. Chirakom Kitiyakara, Honorary President of the Thai-Chinese Relations Association; Kim Pinun, Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of Cambodia; Ly Sary, Deputy Governor of Siem Reap Provincial Administration, Cambodia;?Bounleum Manivong, Deputy Governor of Luang Prabang,?Laos; Wantanee Wattana, Permanent Secretary for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Thailand; and Be Thanh Tinh, Member of the Standing Committee of the Cao Bang Provincial Committee and Director of the Cao Bang Provincial Education Department of Vietnam.?Additional participants?included representatives from?18 local governments, cultural organizations,?and chambers of commerce of the Mekong countries.The exhibition featured 100 photographs showcasing the natural scenery, urban landscapes, and cultural traditions of?over 20 historic and cultural cities of the Lancang-Mekong region. It celebrated the enduring friendship among the six Lancang-Mekong countries, which share?geographical proximity, cultural affinity, and a common destiny. The exhibition reflected the Lancang-Mekong spirit of equality, sincerity, mutual assistance,?and kinship, while expressing the shared aspiration of?the people in the Lancang-Mekong region to jointly build a community with a shared future for the Lancang-Mekong countries. Guests posed for group photos in front of the exhibition boards and enthusiastically introduced their countries' cultural traditions and local customs to one?another, fostering?a friendly and lively?atmosphere.This exhibition served as?a supporting cultural activity for the 2024 Forum on Lancang-Mekong Local Government Cooperation and Dialogue Between Historic and Cultural Cities of Lancang-Mekong Countries. During the welcome banquet held?the same day, guests were treated to performances showcasing traditional Chinese culture.
Welcome Banquet for Delegation of Young Japanese Educational Workers Held in Beijing
On October 28,?the?Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) hosted a dinner in Beijing to welcome the 45-member delegation of young Japanese educational workers?organized by the Japan-China Friendship Center. Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the CPAFFC, attended and delivered a speech at the event.Yuan highlighted?that respecting teachers and valuing education are shared traditions of both China and Japan. Since the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1972, educational exchanges have flourished, becoming a cornerstone of China-Japan cultural exchanges. Over the years, the CPAFFC?has collaborated with the Japan-China Friendship Center?to facilitate mutual visits and exchanges among?young educational workers, yielding significant results and establishing?the?program as a flagship initiative?in bilateral?exchanges.Yuan emphasized that the foundation of China-Japan friendship lies in the people, and its?future depends on the younger generation. He expressed hope that young educators?from both countries would?build lasting?friendships, learn from each other, and work together to advance education in both nations and strengthen China-Japan ties. He reaffirmed the CPAFFC's commitment to?collaborating with various sectors in Japan, including the Japan-China Friendship Center,?to realize the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind?and implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries. Yuan also called for?joint efforts to enhance mutual understanding and friendship?between the peoples of the two countries, especially the youth, and contribute wisdom and strength to building a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship in?the new era.The head of the delegation, Professor Shimbo Atsuko?from Waseda University, said?that she has long been engaged in teaching and research in the field of education and expressed her recognition of the importance of strengthening exchanges between young educators from the two countries. Representing over 40 primary and secondary schools across 17 prefectures in Japan, the delegation looked?forward to meaningful engagement with their Chinese counterparts. Delegates pledged to actively participate in discussions, forge friendships, and contribute to the enduring friendship between China and Japan.Qin Lei, Director of the Beijing International Education Exchange Center, and Masato Usui, Minister of the Embassy of Japan in China, also delivered speeches before the dinner.During their stay in Beijing, the delegation attended a meeting with Chinese and Japanese?educators?and engaged in in-depth discussions on topics of mutual interest?with teachers from 28 primary and secondary schools in Beijing and representatives from related?organizations.During their visit to China, the delegation is scheduled to visit Beijing, Shandong, Shanghai, and other places to engage in friendly exchanges, visit local primary and secondary schools, experience?traditional Chinese culture, and witness the achievements of China's economic and social development in the new era.
China-Canada Friendship Symposium in Commemoration of the 85th Anniversary of the Passing of Dr. Norman Bethune Held in Beijing
On the morning of November 1, 2024,?the China-Canada Friendship Symposium in Commemoration of the 85th Anniversary of the Passing of Dr. Norman Bethune?was held in Beijing. Shen Xin, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC);?Diana Tan, Public Diplomacy Counselor of the Embassy?of Canada?in China;?Michael Crook, Chairman of the?International Committee for the Promotion of Chinese Industrial Cooperatives; and Nelly Ng, Chair of the Canadian?Fund for International Understanding through Culture, attended and delivered speeches. Over 50 representatives from governments, people-to-people friendship organizations, hospitals, schools, research institutions, and media from both China and Canada participated in the symposium. Sun Tao, Deputy Director-General of the CPAFFC Department of American and?Oceanian Affairs, presided over the meeting.Shen Xin?paid tribute to Dr. Norman Bethune, who, in 1938, left the comforts of his homeland to lead a medical team supporting China's resistance against Japanese aggression, ultimately sacrificing his life in the process. Shen noted that Bethune's story remains deeply ingrained in Chinese hearts, and his legacy of internationalism and humanitarianism continues to inspire people in both countries. Shen expressed hope that individuals with vision in both China and Canada would carry forward Dr. Bethune's spirit, enhance mutual understanding, rebuild trust, and expand exchanges and cooperation across all fields.Representatives from institutions such as the Peking Union Medical College Hospital, the Bethune Spirit Research Association, the International Committee for the Promotion of Chinese Industrial Cooperatives, the Canadian?Fund for International Understanding through Culture, the?Canada-China Friendly Exchange Association, and the AKD International Inc.?shared their experiences in fostering people-to-people exchanges?in areas such as healthcare, education, and culture between China?and Canada, as well as other countries. Participants?unanimously agreed that the enduring friendship between the?peoples?of China and Canada?serves as a cornerstone for steady China-Canada relations. Chinese and Canadian people enjoy a deep friendship. Despite current challenges, they expressed optimism about resuming and deepening exchanges and cooperation across all sectors. They called for renewed efforts to embody Dr. Bethune's spirit through concrete actions and to convey the voices of the people to policymakers, thereby facilitating the thawing and growth of China-Canada relations.
Vice President Yuan Mindao Attends the Opening Ceremony of the 10th Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting of Solidarity with Cuba
On October 29, 2024, the 10th Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting of Solidarity with Cuba?was held in Beijing?, bringing together 70 delegates from 16 countries/regions, including Cuba?and nations?across the Asia-Pacific. Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC);?Sun Yi, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs?of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;?and Fernando González Llort, President of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, attended?and delivered speeches?at the?opening ceremony.?Alberto Blanco Silva, Cuban Ambassador to China, also participated in the event.Yuan Mindao highlighted that Cuba is the first country in the Western Hemisphere to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China.?Thanks to the nurturing of generations of leaders and the joint efforts of people from various sectors in?both countries, China-Cuba relations have grown stronger?and flourished. He reaffirmed China's firm support for?the Cuban people in their just struggle to defend sovereignty and oppose external interference and blockades.?Yuan expressed the CPAFFC's readiness to work with all sectors?in Cuba to?sustain, strengthen, and further develop the special bond between China and Cuba, promote solidarity and collaboration, uphold fairness and justice, and jointly address global challenges, striving for steady progress in building a China-Cuba community with a shared future.Sun Yi emphasized that the world today has become a community with a shared future, where humanity's survival depends on collective efforts.?He criticized the?Cold War mentality and confrontational approaches as contrary to the trend of history, fairness, and the will of the people. Sun reiterated China's consistent opposition?to?the U.S. embargo and sanctions against Cuba and called on?all parties at the conference to?unite under the banner of multilateralism, strengthen solidarity within the Global South,?and uphold international fairness and justice.Fernando González Llort expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of Cuba to the Asia-Pacific nations?for their unwavering?support in?resisting the embargo. He emphasized that?defending national sovereignty and world peace remains?a top priority for?all nations. He also praised President Xi Jinping's vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, describing it as both significant and aligned with the spirit of the times. González expressed Cuba's commitment to leveraging this meeting to promote?a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous world.The Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting of Solidarity with Cuba?is a regular?multilateral project organized by the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, in collaboration with organizations?for?friendship with Cuba?in Asia-Pacific countries. Its objective is?to unite?the peoples of Asia-Pacific countries?to support?Cuba in opposing the embargo?and actively win the support of the international community?for Cuba.
Vice President Shen Xin Meets with Mayor of Montpellier Micha?l Delafosse
On October 28, 2024, Shen Xin, Vice President of the?Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC),?met with?Micha?l Delafosse, Mayor of Montpellier, France,?and his delegation at the CPAFFC.Shen Xin conveyed CPAFFC President Yang Wanming's greetings to?Mayor?Delafosse?and expressed appreciation for?Montpellier's?active engagement with China over the years?in areas?such as?the?economy, healthcare, culture,?and sports. He particularly highlighted the fruitful exchanges?between Montpellier and Chengdu, the first pair of sister?cities between France and China, which?have significantly contributed to fostering cooperation between localities in both countries. Shen reaffirmed the CPAFFC's commitment to building more bridges for people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, cultural interactions, and youth friendship. He expressed the CPAFFC's willingness to collaborate actively with Montpellier to bring the two peoples closer and ensure the steady growth of China-France relations.Mayor?Delafosse highly commended the CPAFFC?for its outstanding contributions to?promoting subnational pragmatic cooperation and the development of?sister city relationships. He remarked on the vitality and potential of China-France exchanges,?which he witnessed firsthand during his visit to China. As Mayor of Montpellier and President of the Cites Unis France, Delafosse expressed his commitment to working with the CPAFFC?to deepen subnational cooperation between China and France, aiming for more practical and fruitful outcomes.
2024 Forum on Lancang-Mekong Local Government Cooperation and Dialogue Between Historic and Cultural Cities of Lancang-Mekong Countries Held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang
On October 29, the 2024?Forum on Lancang-Mekong Local Government Cooperation and Dialogue Between Historic and Cultural Cities of Lancang-Mekong Countries?was held in Hangzhou, the?capital of Zhejiang Province. The?event was?hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and organized by the Zhejiang Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. Approximately 160 attendees participated. On the Chinese side, attendees included Lu Shan, Vice Governor of Zhejiang Province;?Sun Xueqing, Secretary-General of?the?CPAFFC; and heads of?33 local governments, foreign affairs offices and friendship associations. Also in attendance were M.R. Chirakom Kitiyakara, Honorary President of the Thai-Chinese Relations Association; Kim Pinun, Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of Cambodia; Ly Sary, Deputy Governor of Siem Reap Provincial Administration, Cambodia;?Bounleum Manivong, Deputy Governor of Luang Prabang, Laos;?Wantanee Wattana, Permanent Secretary for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Thailand; Be Thanh Tinh, Member of the Standing Committee of the Cao Bang Provincial Committee and Director of the Cao Bang Provincial Education Department of Vietnam, and other representatives of 18 local governments, cultural organizations and chambers of commerce of the Mekong countries.Lu Shan, Vice Governor of Zhejiang Province, welcomed the participants and provided an overview of Zhejiang's comprehensive economic and social transformation, driven by the province's "Eight Advantages and Eight Measures" strategy.?He highlighted the fruitful outcomes of Zhejiang's exchanges and cooperation with the five Mekong countries in areas such as trade, investment, education, science and technology, and cultural tourism. Lu expressed his hope to further deepen these collaborations, contributing to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind and advancing modernization efforts together.Sun Xueqing, Secretary-General of the CPAFFC, noted?that?the six Lancang-Mekong countries?are natural partners, eternal friendly neighbors, and all developing nations. Since the launch of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation?(LMC)?mechanism,?the six countries have upheld the Lancang-Mekong spirit, pursuing mutual benefit and common development?while achieving significant outcomes in various fields. All six countries in the Lancang-Mekong region are advancing the building of?a community with a shared future, on either a bilateral or a multilateral basis, writing a new chapter of friendship and people-to-people exchanges. Sun emphasized that 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the LMC?initiative, and the CPAFFC?stands ready to work with all parties to implement the consensus of the Fourth LMC?Leaders' Meeting?and the Ninth LMC?Foreign Ministers' Meeting.?He called for further efforts to deepen strategic mutual trust, promote pragmatic cooperation, and strengthen public support to advance the building of a?community with a shared future for Lancang-Mekong countries.Kim Pinun?remarked that the LMC serves as?an important comprehensive sub-regional cooperation platform, facilitating exchanges and collaboration in economy,?trade, culture, science and technology, education, and healthcare?among the Lancang-Mekong countries. Looking ahead,?he called for sustained efforts to strengthen mutual trust and deepen cooperation, ensuring greater benefits for the people?in the region.Wantanee Wattana praised the?Lancang-Mekong region's rich history and diverse cultures, emphasizing the shared mission of carrying forward the Lancang-Mekong spirit, consolidate the foundation for?cooperation, and jointly addressing challenges. She expressed Bangkok's commitment to deepening the?LMC, which she?believes will support regional prosperity and contribute to peace and stability both within the region and globally.Under the theme of "Carry Forward?the Lancang-Mekong Spirit?and Build a Community with a Shared Future", 24 representatives from?local governments from different countries?held extensive and in-depth exchanges on a wide range of?topics?while taking in account their local development experiences, achievements of cooperation between sister cities?and unique advantages and resources. The topics included "Building Consensus on?Development and Drawing a Better Blueprint", "Leveraging Local Advantages and Promoting Practical Cooperation",?and "Deepening Mutual Learning among?Civilizations and Promoting People-to-People?Exchanges". They also explored possibilities for pragmatic cooperation, made proposals on enriching cooperation among local governments in the Lancang-Mekong region and bolstering mutual learning among civilizations, and reached?broad consensus.Participants?agreed that the Forum on Lancang-Mekong Local Government Cooperation and Dialogue Between Historic and Cultural Cities of Lancang-Mekong Countries?has?served as a valuable platform?for the countries in the basin to enhance mutual trust, strengthen cooperation, build consensus and create a better future. They expressed their commitment to carrying forward?the Lancang-Mekong spirit, fostering?people-to-people exchanges, aligning development priorities, and advancing the vision of cooperation. These efforts aim to bring people?of the Lancang-Mekong countries?closer to each other?and make new?contributions to the peace, stability, development,?and prosperity of the region.As part of the Forum, international delegates from Mekong countries visited?high-tech enterprises in Zhejiang to experience the new quality productive forces and the birthplace of the Two Mountains concept?(lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets) to gain a deeper understanding of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization.
Reception Celebrating Zambia's 60th Independence Anniversary and 60 Years of Zambia-China Diplomatic Relations Held in Beijing
On October 25, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Embassy of Zambia?in China jointly hosted a reception in Beijing to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Zambia and the 60th anniversary of Zambia's independence. Cai Dafeng, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), and?Nelly Mutti, Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, attended the reception and delivered speeches. Yan Dong, Vice President of the CPAFFC, and Iven Zyuulu, Ambassador of Zambia to China, also?delivered welcome addresses. The event was attended?by nearly 200 representatives from various sectors, including?Chen Xiaodong, China's?Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs;?Zhou Xuewen, Member of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress; other senior Chinese officials; a delegation from?the Zambian Parliament;?Zambians living in China;?and ambassadors from?other African countries?in China.Cai Dafeng highlighted that over the past 60 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the friendship between the two countries has stood the test of time, grown stronger, and remained full of vitality. Last September, the two countries elevated their relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. This?September, President Xi Jinping and President Hakainde Hichilema?of Zambia?held a bilateral meeting, providing important strategic guidance for the future development of China-Zambia relations.?Cai?expressed his hope that visionaries in both countries would seize the opportunity of this 60th anniversary to work together and contribute wisdom and strength to advancing China-Zambia relations, strengthening China-Africa ties, and building a China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era.Mutti noted that China is one of the first countries to recognize Zambia's independence. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1964, China has offered?steadfast support to Zambia in key areas such as infrastructure, trade, healthcare, education,?and technology transfer. With mutual respect, solidarity,?and cooperation, bilateral relations between Zambia and China have flourished. Looking to the future, she expressed hope that the two nations would deepen cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, tourism,?and education, working together to create a brighter and more prosperous future for their?peoples based?on?mutual benefit and mutual respect.The reception?featured performances by young Chinese artists, creating?a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Vice President Yuan Mindao Meets with Delegation of Friendly Individuals from Four Consular Districts of the Consulate-General of China in Niigata
On October 19, Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with a delegation of?friendly individuals?from four prefectures within the consular district of the Consulate-General of China in Niigata?at the CPAFFC. The delegation was led by Kokubun?Kenichi, Vice President of the Fukushima Prefecture Japan-China Friendship Association.Yuan Mindao noted that China and Japan are important, close neighbors separated by a narrow strip of water.?Over the past five decades since?the normalization of diplomatic relations in 1972, the two countries have achieved significant progress?in friendly exchanges and cooperation across?various?fields, delivering tangible benefits to the two countries and their peoples.?He expressed his?gratitude to the representatives of Japan-China friendship organizations from Niigata, Fukushima, Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures for their?long-standing dedication to fostering China-Japan?friendly exchanges and cooperation, as well as their invaluable contributions to China-Japan friendship. Yuan?expressed hope to continue working closely with these organizations and other like-minded individuals in Japan to further enhance the bonds between the two countries.Kokubun?Kenichi?expressed gratitude for the invitation extended by the Consulate-General of China in Niigat. He stated that the delegation aimed to gain deeper insights into China's latest achievements in economic and social development and to apply these learnings to their future endeavors in promoting Japan-China friendship.?He emphasized their commitment to advancing diverse fields of friendly exchanges and cooperation between the four prefectures and China.Representatives of friendly individuals?from the four prefectures introduced themselves and shared updates on the state of Japan-China friendly exchanges in their respective regions.Zhang Xiaoping, Deputy Director-General?of the?Department of East Asian Affairs, also attended the meeting.
The 14th China-Japan-ROK International Exchange Exhibition of Youth Calligraphy and Painting Kicks Off
On October 19, the 14th China-Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK)?International Exchange Exhibition of Youth Calligraphy and Painting, co-hosted?by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and relevant friendly organizations and institutions in Japan and?ROK, kicked off in Chengdu, the?capital of Southwest China's Sichuan Province.Since 2011, the China-Japan-ROK International Exchange Exhibition of Youth Calligraphy and Painting?has been held annually,?rotating among China, Japan and?the ROK. The Exhibition?serves as?an vital platform for young people from?the three countries to showcase their talents, exchange ideas,?and forge friendships through the art of painting and calligraphy.This year's exhibition, themed "A Hundred Flowers Blossoming Toward a Brighter Future", features more than 200 representative works by?young artists?from the three countries. The Exhibition will be on display at the International Friendship Pavilion of the International Horticultural Exhibition?2024 Chengdu?until October 28, after which it will tour various districts and counties under Chengdu.