Vice President Shen Xin Visits Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico
At the invitation of the Brazil-China Friendship Association, the Colombia-China Friendship Association, and the Mexico-China Friendship Association, Shen Xin, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), led a delegation to Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico?from March 9 to 19.During his stay in Brazil, Shen Xin, on behalf of the CPAFFC, signed memorandums of understanding with the LIDE (Group of Corporate Leaders) China?and the Brazilian Center for International Relations (CEBRI). He attended the China (Shandong)-Brazil Economic and Trade Cooperation and Exchange Conference. Shen also met with Jo?o Brant?and Cheroz, Vice Ministers of?the Social Communication Secretariat of the Presidency of the Republic, Ronald Luiz dos Santos, Deputy Secretary General of the?National Youth Secretariat of the General Secretariat of the Presidency of the Republic, Tia Ju, President of the National Union of State Parliaments in Brazil and Vice President of the Legislative Assembly of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Cavaliere, Deputy?Mayor?of Rio de Janeiro, Nascimento, General Coordinator of Climate Action?at the Secretariat for Climate, Energy and Environment,?Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Luís Bueno,?Vice?Chairman of the Board of Directors of?Suzano, Ilan Cuperstein, Regional Director for Latin America?at C40, and Berberto, Head of the Latin American Office of ICLEI. They conducted in-depth discussions on holding relevant activities in conjunction with the BRICS Summit and the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP 30) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change?and on further promoting exchanges between the two countries in all areas. In addition, to implement the guidelines set forth?in President Xi Jinping's reply to letters from friendly personages from sectors of society?in Brazil, the delegation held exchanges with?friendly personages?from S?o Paulo and Rio de Janeiro respectively. Shen Xin welcomed all of them to visit China and encouraged them to continue contributing their share to the cause of the China-Brazil friendship. Chinese Ambassador to Brazil Zhu Qingqiao and Chinese Consul General in Rio de Janeiro?Tian Min?had a working exchange with the delegation.During his stay in Colombia, Shen Xin paid a courtesy call on former Colombian President Ernesto Samper, and met with Guillermo Puyana, President of the Colombia-China Friendship Association (CCFA), José María Gómez, former Colombian?Ambassador to China, and other leading members of the CCFA. The?two sides had an exchange of views on developing new forms of China-Colombia economic and trade cooperation, enhancing mutual understanding and amity among the young people of the two countries, and jointly helping the Global South play a greater role. Chinese Ambassador to Colombia Zhu Jingyang had a working exchange with the delegation.During his stay in Mexico, Shen Xin visited old friends of the Mexico-China Friendship Association and discussed with representatives of the Michoacán state government on further propelling?bilateral cooperation. Zhu Jian, Chargé d'Affaires a.i.?at the Embassy of China in Mexico, had a working exchange with the delegation.
Vice President Jiang Jiang Meets with David Malcolm, Permanent Secretary of the Northern Ireland Executive Office
On March 18, 2025, Jiang Jiang, Vice President?of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with David Malcolm, Permanent Secretary of the Executive Office?of Northern Ireland, at the CPAFFC. The two sides exchanged views on strengthening people-to-people exchanges?and subnational cooperation. Lv Hongwei, Deputy Director-General of the CPAFFC Department of European and Asian Affairs, and Kerry Curran, Head of the Northern Ireland Bureau China, were present at the meeting.
Vice President Jiang Jiang Visits Denmark
From March 7 to 10, 2025, at the invitation of the Danmark-Kina, the Denmark-China friendship association, Jiang Jiang, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), led a delegation to Denmark. During his stay, Jiang Jiang met with Lotte Machon, State Secretary at the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pernille Randrup Deleuran, Director of the International Department at the Danish Parliament, Sohlén?Hed, an official of Copenhagen Municipality, Ystgaard, Councilor?of Copenhagen Municipality, Julie Brink, President of the Danmark-Kina,?Kilde Larsen, President of the Denmark-China Association, Shahamak Rezaei, Head of the Danish Center for Science and?Commercial Diplomacy, and Marianne Stenvig, President of the Sindberg Foundation. The two sides exchanged views on enhancing people-to-people exchanges, subnational cooperation and youth exchanges between China and Denmark.Jiang Jiang said that Denmark was one of the first Western countries to recognize and establish diplomatic ties with the?People's Republic of China after its founding in 1949. Over the past 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China-Denmark relations have achieved remarkable progress?with productive cooperation?in all fields, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples. He would like to take the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Denmark as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with Denmark in the fields of economy and trade, science and technology, as well as culture, and among subnational entities. This aims to elevate the China-Denmark comprehensive strategic partnership to a new height and deliver more benefits to the two peoples.Jiang Jiang stressed that people-to-people friendship underpins state-to-state relations, and subnational cooperation provides an inexhaustible driving force for the development of state-to-state relations. The achievements in?China-Denmark relations would not have been possible without the support and dedication of friendly personages?from all sectors in both countries.?When meeting with?foreign guests attending the China International Friendship Conference and Events Marking the 70th Anniversary of the?CPAFFC, President Xi Jinping pointed out that the?Chinese government will continue to support the CPAFFC in playing its unique role in developing friendship between the Chinese and foreign peoples and promoting practical international cooperation.?The?CPAFFC stands ready to work with people from all sectors?in Denmark to build more bridges of people-to-people exchanges, subnational cooperation, cultural exchanges and youth friendship between the two countries, and contribute at the people-to-people and subnational?level to the development of China-Denmark relations.The Danish side spoke positively of China's?development achievements and the fruitful results of Denmark-China cooperation. They said that they value Denmark's relations with China?and will strengthen cooperation with the Chinese side in multiple?areas. Denmark cherishes the friendship between the two peoples, appreciates the CPAFFC's contribution to deepening the people-to-people friendship between the two countries. It is willing to strengthen ties with the CPAFFC to jointly facilitate exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in such fields as green transformation, cultural tourism, urban governance, and youth exchanges, helping move forward Denmark-China relations.
Vice President Yuan Mindao Meets with Irakli Mezurnishvili, First Deputy Chairman of Georgian Parliament Committee for Economy
On March 11, Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with Irakli Mezurnishvili, First Deputy Chairman of Georgian Parliament Committee for Economy?and Honorary Chairman of?the Georgia-China Association for Subnational?Cooperation?(GCASC), and his delegation at the CPAFFC.Yuan Mindao welcomed Irakli Mezurnishvili's visit to China while leading a delegation and conveyed President Yang Wanming's greetings. He spoke positively of the development of China-Georgia relations, and looked forward to deepening cooperation with the GCASC to add momentum to people-to-people friendship and subnational cooperation between the two countries, and make new contributions to the growth of China-Georgia relations. Irakli Mezurnishvili?thanked the CPAFFC for its invitation and highly appreciated the positive contributions the CPAFFC has made to Georgia-China friendship, adding that the cooperation between the two organizations?is set to thrive in the coming years.?Chen Lei, Deputy Director-General of the CPAFFC Department of?European and?Asian Affairs, Vakhtang Chakhnashvili, President of the GCASC, and Tinatin Shishinashvili, Senior Counsellor at the Embassy of Georgia in China, were present at the meeting.
Vice President Jiang Jiang Visits Greece
From March 5 to 7, 2025, at the invitation of the Greece-China Friendship Association (GCFA), Jiang Jiang, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), led a delegation to Greece. During his stay, Jiang Jiang met separately?with friendly personages from all sectors of society in Greece. Among them were Spyridon?Kyriakis, Member?of the Hellenic Parliament?and Member of the Greece-China Friendship Group, Ioannis Theofanopoulos,?President of the GCFA and former Greek?Ambassador to China, and Stergios Tsirkas, Mayor of Marathon. They exchanged views on topics such as deepening people-to-people exchanges, subnational cooperation, and youth exchanges between China and Greece.Jiang Jiang said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972, China and Greece have respected, relied on and supported each other. Bilateral relations have maintained sound development?and grown even stronger. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, the two sides have deepened political mutual trust and achieved fruitful outcomes?in practical cooperation, becoming partners in Belt and Road cooperation and exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations.Jiang Jiang appreciated the positive role played by all sectors of Greece in enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and Greek peoples. He noted that the CPAFFC attaches great importance to developing friendly and cooperative relations with Greece. It is willing to work with the Greek side to act on the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, strengthen the two key bonds of mutually beneficial cooperation and cultural exchanges at the?non-governmental and subnational levels, and contribute to the development of China-Greece and China-EU relations.The Greek side spoke highly of the bilateral relations. The two countries share?extensive common interests. China's high-standard opening-up has continuously brought new opportunities for bilateral cooperation. It is the common aspiration of all sectors in Greece to step up?dialogue and exchanges with China on all fronts and jointly address global challenges. Expressing gratitude?to the CPAFFC for its efforts and contributions toward?advancing Greece-China friendship over the years, the Greek side stated that they will actively support and participate in diverse activities organized by the CPAFFC, collaborate with the CPAFFC to build bridges?for communication, forge consensus?on friendship, facilitate more cooperation and bring more benefits to people on both sides.
Vice President Jiang Jiang Visits Cyprus
From March 3 to 5, 2025, at the invitation of the Cyprus-China Friendship Association (CCFA), Jiang Jiang, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), led a delegation to Cyprus. During his stay, Jiang Jiang met separately with Thessalia Salina Shambos, Political Director?at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus; Marina Nicolaou, Christiana?Erotokritou, and Marinos?Mousiouttas, members?of the Cypriot Parliament; Charalambos Prountzos, Mayor of Nicosia; Yiannis Armeftis, Mayor of Limassol; Dinos Florides, President of the CCFA. Liu Yantao, Chinese Ambassador to Cyprus, attended related meetings.Jiang Jiang said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1971, China-Cyprus relations have maintained a high level of development, setting an example of countries large and small treating each other as equals and different civilizations learning from each other. In recent years, the China-Cyprus strategic partnership has achieved high-quality development, with frequent high-level exchanges, strong political mutual trust, and fruitful cooperation in fields such as economy and trade, culture and sister cities. China is vigorously promoting high-quality development and high-standard opening-up, which will provide broader opportunities for China-Cyprus cooperation. Jiang expressed the willingness of the CPAFFC to work with the Cypriot side, guided by the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, to carry forward traditional friendship, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, strengthen cultural exchanges, and pursue high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, to bring more benefits to the two countries and peoples.Jiang Jiang appreciated the support of the central and local governments and people from all sectors of society in Cyprus for the cause of China-Cyprus people-to-people friendship, and fully affirmed the important role played by the CCFA. Besides, he expressed that the CPAFFC is ready to work together with people from all sectors in Cyprus to continuously enhance mutual understanding and friendship among the people and consolidate?popular support for?exchanges between the two countries. Fully recognizing the work done by the China-Cyprus Sister City Alliance in recent years, Jiang Jiang said that the exchanges between sister cities have made important contributions to the development of state-to-state relations. Support will be rendered to both sides in?effectively utilizing platforms for subnational exchanges and cooperation, thus mobilizing more local resources to advance the China-Cyprus strategic partnership.The Cypriot side said that Cyprus cherishes the profound traditional friendship between the two countries and admires China's?tremendous development achievements. Cyprus is willing to further tap the potential of bilateral cooperation in the economic, trade, science and technology, education, culture, and local fields, so as to elevate bilateral relations to a new level. Additionally,?they?appreciated the CPAFFC's?unique and crucial role in fostering mutual understanding and friendship?between the two peoples. The Cypriot side expressed their readiness to work closely with the CPAFFC to inject fresh impetus into people-to-people exchanges, subnational cooperation and sister-city exchanges between Cyprus and China. These efforts aim to deliver more benefits to people on both sides.
Vice President Shen Xin Hosts Spring Reception for Diplomatic Envoys from Pacific Island Countries
On February 26, Shen Xin, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), hosted a?reception for diplomatic envoys of Pacific Island Countries (PICs)?to China to discuss friendly people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between China and PICs. Ambassadors and diplomats from six countries—Tonga, the Federated States of Micronesia, Samoa, Fiji, the Solomon Islands, and Nauru—as well as the?Trade Commissioner of the Pacific Trade Invest China attended the event upon invitation. Wang Yanxia, Vice President of the Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and Sun Tao, Director-General?of the CPAFFC?Department?of American and Oceanian Affairs, were also present?at the event.Shen Xin stated that over the past year, the friendly and cooperative relationship between China and PICs?has made encouraging progress. The two sides have witnessed close high-level interactions?and fruitful?practical cooperation. Continued efforts have been made?to advance the building of a China-PICs?community with a shared future?to deliver more benefits to the peoples of both sides. The CPAFFC is willing to join hands with?all parties to build bridges for enhancing mutual understanding and friendship among?the peoples of China and PICs?and intensifying cooperation on all fronts and?play an active role in building the China-PICs?community with a shared future.On behalf of all the ambassadors of PICs?to China, Tau'aika?'Uta'atu, Dean of the?PICs'?Diplomatic Corps?in China and Ambassador of Tonga to China, expressed his gratitude to the CPAFFC for its extensive efforts over the years in?enhancing friendship among?the peoples of China and?PICs. He also voiced his hope that the two sides would deepen?cooperation in the Year of the Snake, jointly striving for the prosperity and development of China and PICs.Before the?dinner?began, the attending diplomatic envoys participated in a hands-on activity of assembling palace lanterns,?experiencing firsthand the cultural charm of the Spring Festival after its inclusion in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Secretary-General Sun Xueqing Leads Delegation to Romania
From February?23 to 27, at the invitation of the?Association of Communes of Romania?(ACoR), Sun Xueqing, Secretary-General?of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), led a delegation to Romania. He attended?the?ACoR?Annual Meeting and Partner Organizations Conference held in Bucharest. Among the attendees were heads?or representatives from prominent international organizations composed of local governments, including the European Committee of the Regions, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions, the Network of Associations of Local Authorities in South-East Europe,?the Moroccan Association of the Councils of Prefectures and Provinces, the Marmara Municipalities Union?of Türkiye, the Congress of Local Authorities from Moldova, the Austrian Association of Municipalities?and the Serbian?Association of Local Authorities.?Sun Xueqing was invited to speak at the meeting. He introduced China's practice and proposals of stimulating the vitality?of localities to further mutually beneficial cooperation,?forge a stronger bond between the peoples, and respond to?global challenges. Moreover, Sun expressed that the CPAFFC will play its unique role and collaborate with all parties concerned to actively build more bridges of people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, cultural exchanges and youth friendship, with a view to elevating?the?subnational?exchanges and cooperation between China and the rest of the world. The proposal received positive feedback from all attending parties.During his visit, Sun Xueqing held meetings or working talks with Viorica D?ncil?, former Prime Minister?of Romania, Emil Dr?ghici, President of the?ACoR, Aurel Papari, Chairman of the Romania-China Friendship Association, Nicolae Vasilescu, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Romania-China, and Nicolae Dumitru, Secretary?General of the?Romanian-Chinese House. Sun?expressed his gratitude for their long-standing contributions to the friendship between China and Romania. He added that he will work?with?other?friendly organizations to leverage their?respective influence?and play a leading role in building?a network of people-to-people and subnational?cooperation between China and Romania, and even between China and Europe,?thereby contributing to the development of China-Romania and China-Europe relations. Expressing?their desire to further strengthen ties with the CPAFFC, the Romanian side?said that they will serve as a bridge to contribute to the enhancement of mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of Romania and China, especially among the youth, and?the facilitation of practical cooperation between local governments of the two countries.
Vice President Jiang Jiang Meets with Ambassador of Switzerland to China Jürg Burri
On February 26, 2025, Jiang Jiang, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), attended a working dinner with Jürg Burri, Ambassador of Switzerland to China at the Embassy of Switzerland in China upon invitation. The two sides exchanged views on promoting people-to-people exchanges and?subnational cooperation between the two countries.Hao Zhongwei, Director-General of the CPAFFC Department of European and Asian Affairs, was also present.
Vice President Yuan Mindao Leads Delegation to Japan
From February 18 to 22, Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), led a delegation to Japan. He held meetings with persons in charge?from multiple Japanese organizations. These included the Japan-China Friendship Association?(Public Interest Incorporated Association), the Japan-China Cultural Exchange Association, the Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians'?Union, the Japan-China Society, the Japan-China Friendship Center,?the Japan-China Friendship Association, the Soka Gakkai, the Foundation for Cultural Heritage and Art Research, the National Governors'?Association, the Japan Association of City Mayors,?the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency. During these meetings, they exchanged views on boosting people-to-people friendship between the two countries, strengthening cultural exchanges, especially youth exchange, and deepening subnational cooperation.Yuan Mindao spoke positively of the valuable contributions and unremitting efforts made by Japanese organizations and people?with vision?from all?sectors over the years to facilitate friendly exchanges and cooperation between China and Japan and enhance the friendship between the two peoples. Yuan said the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru in Lima in November last year reached important consensus, providing strategic guidance for the development of bilateral relations. At present, China-Japan relations are in a critical period of improvement and development. The two countries have maintained?frequent exchanges at all levels and in all?fields. However, complex and sensitive factors still remain in bilateral relations.?Yuan emphasized that the CPAFFC is ready to work with people from all sectors of society in?Japan to act on the important common understandings reached between the?leaders of the two countries, build more bridges?of people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, cultural exchanges and youth friendship, promote mutual understanding and forge closer bonds between the two peoples, and harness the strength of the people-to-people sector?to build a?constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that meets the requirements of the new era.The Japanese side said that Japan and China are important neighbors and enjoy frequent exchanges in all areas, such as?economy, trade, culture, and subnational exchanges. In a world of turmoil and transformation, maintaining sound and stable Japan-China relations is of growing significance.?People-to-people exchanges underpin the growth of?Japan-China relations and?should be further strengthened on an ongoing basis.?They expressed the willingness to?work together with the Chinese side to strengthen cooperation, advance people-to-people exchanges in diverse fields?between the two countries, constantly enhance mutual understanding and friendship?between the two peoples and contribute to the sustained improvement and development of Japan-China relations.