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On November 18, the China International Friendship Cities Conference 2024?officially opened in?Kunming, the capital of Southwest China's Yunnan Province. The event was co-hosted?by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), the China International Friendship Cities Association (CIFCA), and the People's Government of Yunnan Province, and organized by the People's Government of Kunming Municipality. The theme of the conference is?"Common Prosperity, Shared Future". Peng Qinghua, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, attended?the opening ceremony?and delivered a speech. Wang Ning, Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Yunnan Provincial Committee;?Wang Yubo, Governor of Yunnan Province;?Yang Wanming, President of the CPAFFC and the?CIFCA; Emmanuel Sinzohagera, President of the Senate of Burundi; Anouphap Tounalom, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Council of Vientiane; and Hatoyama Yukio, former Prime Minister of Japan, attended the ceremony.Peng Qinghua emphasized the critical role of international sister cities in advancing subnational?cooperation, strengthening?people-to-people friendship,?and promoting mutual learning among civilizations. He urged sister cities from China and abroad to seize new opportunities for openness and cooperation, drive innovative?development, explore new?cooperation projects that benefit the people, write a new chapter of mutual learning among?civilizations, and contribute to world peace, stability and prosperity.Wang Ning highlighted Yunnan's tradition of?openness and inclusiveness, noting the province's long-standing history of friendly exchanges and its role as a platform for mutually beneficial cooperation. He reaffirmed?Yunnan's commitment to implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy and?expressed its determination to work with sister cities worldwide under the guidance of the?CPAFFC?to renew traditional friendship through close exchanges, achieve win-win development?through pragmatic cooperation, foster shared progress through mutual learning, and advance?modernization together.Yang Wanming praised the contributions of Chinese and foreign sister cities, highlighting their success in building bridges of people-to-people friendship, creating?direct channels for economic and trade cooperation, and paving?"a road to?happiness"?for the benefit?of?the people. He pledged that the CPAFFC would continue its efforts to enhance?people-to-people exchanges to foster closer people-to-people ties, deepen practical cooperation to achieve mutual benefit; strengthen cultural?exchanges to promote harmonious coexistence, and expand youth exchanges to build enduring friendships between future generations.Emmanuel Sinzohagera noted?that this year's conference, which focused on issues?such as technological innovation, green development, cultural heritage,?and connectivity, has provided?us with a valuable platform for exchange?and sharing of experiences. He reaffirmed?Burundi's firm commitment to the one-China principle?and expressed that it is willing to establish more sister province/city relationships?with China?while?exploring?new cooperation models to achieve common development and prosperity.Anouphap Tounalom?highlighted the progress made in Laos-China cooperation, driven by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He pointed to the?Laos-China Railway as a transformative project that has boosted economic and social development and improved the well-being of people in the provinces and cities along the route and across?Southeast Asia. Anouphap expressed Laos' readiness to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation among international sister cities in a wide range of?fields,?such as economy, trade, investment, tourism,?and education.Hatoyama Yukio emphasized the importance of maintaining a spirit of?brotherhood, mutual respect, understanding,?and support, whether among?individuals, cities, or nations. He argued that in today's complex international environment, face-to-face exchanges?and open,?constructive dialogue?are critical?to building bridges of friendship and advancing the creation?of a community with a shared future for mankind.The conference attracted over 700 participants, including 37 provincial and ministerial?leaders, 74 mayors and deputy mayors from 41 countries across?five continents, representatives from?66 provinces, 125 cities, and?63 local government and friendship organizations, as well as experts,?scholars, business representatives, and members?of the media.Following the opening ceremony, a theme forum centered on "Common Prosperity, Shared Future"?was held. Speakers included Liu Hongjian, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Yunnan Provincial Committee and Secretary of the?CPC?Kunming Municipal Committee;?Lee Sari, Deputy Governor of Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey Province; Maurizio Rasero, Governor of Asti Province of Italy;?Grant Smith, President of the Global Cities New Zealand; Carol Robertson Lopez, Chair Emeritus of Sister Cities International; and Benjamin Kabikira, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works of Zimbabwe.?These speakers shared insights and best practices in urban governance, economic development, people-to-people exchanges, and international cooperation. At four parallel forums, over 40 Chinese and international speakers addressed topics including?"Technological Innovation Helps Build Smart Cities", "Urban Green Development Benefits People’s Livelihood", "Guarding and Inheriting the City's Historical and Cultural Roots", and "Transportation Interconnection Builds a?Community of Urban Destiny". The forums provided a platform for participants to?exchange ideas and make?suggestions?to promote?exchanges and mutual learning, build consensus for?deeper?cooperation, improve?people's welfare, and achieve?mutual benefit and win-win results?for local governments in China and abroad.

From November 13 to 17, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), led a delegation on a friendly visit to Thailand?at the invitation of Korn Dabbaransi, President of the Thai-Chinese Friendship Association and former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand. During his visit, Yang met with Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, President of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand,?Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior,?Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Minister of Culture,?Nirat Pongsitthavorn,?Governor of Chiang Mai Province,?and Assanee Buranupakorn, Mayor of Chiang Mai Municipality. Yang also held working meetings?with President Korn Dabbaransi, Bhokin Bhalakula, President of the Thai-Chinese Culture and Economy Association and former President of the National Assembly of Thailand,?and Han Zhiqiang, Chinese Ambassador to Thailand. Additionally, he engaged in talks with Borwornsak Uwanno, Chairman of the Foundation of King Prajadhipok's Institute, and youth representatives. Yang had extensive exchanges of views with figures from Thailand's political, business, and cultural circles?on China-Thailand relations, people-to-people friendship, youth exchanges and proposals for celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand next year.During the meeting, Yang Wanming emphasized that China and Thailand share geographical proximity, ancestral ties,?and cultural similarities, making them good neighbors, friends, relatives,?and partners. Over the past 50 years, China-Thailand relations have maintained stable, sound,?and rapid development, creating what Yang described as the?"golden 50 years". He highlighted the widespread belief in both countries that?"China and Thailand are as close as one family".?Yang referred to the historic visit by President Xi Jinping to Thailand in November 2022, during which China and Thailand reached a significant consensus on building?a China-Thailand community with a shared future for greater?stability, prosperity,?and sustainability. This agreement marked the beginning?of?a new era?in bilateral relations.Yang also noted President Xi Jinping's recent meeting with Thai?Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra?on the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders'?Meeting?in Lima,?Peru. During the meeting, President Xi reiterated that "China and Thailand remain as close as a family". He emphasized China's readiness to carry forward the traditional friendship?between the two countries, achieve?greater synergy in?development strategies, deepen the exchange of governance experiences, coordinate and promote?mutually beneficial cooperation in all sectors, support each other's modernization drives, and make?further progress?in building the?China-Thailand community with a shared future. The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand,?celebrated as the "Golden Jubilee of China-Thailand Friendship". Yang noted that the?CPAFFC will collaborate closely with Thai friendship organizations and people from all?sectors of society?to explore ?innovative ways?to commemorate this milestone. Yang outlined plans to take advantage of this opportunity to build more platforms and bridges for the two countries in the fields of people-to-people friendship, subnational cooperation, cultural exchanges, culture?and tourism?promotion, and?youth exchanges, strengthen the foundation for the next "golden 50 years"?of China-Thailand relations.Wan Muhamad Noor Matha?and Anutin Charnvirakul?praised the CPAFFC for its positive contributions to strengthening the?bilateral friendship?and promoting people-to-people friendship. They reiterated that China and Thailand are as?close as one family, with the two peoples sharing bonds akin to those of brothers. They noted that the two nations?have maintained?close and friendly relations across all levels and in various fields. The Thai royal family and government highly value their?relationship?with China and actively support the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. In light of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025, the Thai royal family and government?plan to enhance bilateral communication through both bilateral and multilateral mechanisms. They aim to?strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China in economy,?trade, culture, tourism, and local government?while?supporting social organizations in both countries to organize?more friendly activities for the?benefit of their peoples.Nirat Pongsitthavorn?and Assanee Buranupakorn?expressed their wish to pursue?greater practical cooperation with local governments in China. They emphasized their interest in?drawing on China's successful experiences in environmental protection and urban governance, deepening?sister-city exchanges, increasing economic and trade investments, and fostering greater coordination in the tourism sector.Korn Dabbaransi?and Bhokin Bhalakula?voiced their willingness to collaborate with the CPAFFC in?planning?and organizing?the?event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. They emphasized that these efforts would help lay a solid foundation for strengthening Thai-Chinese people-to-people friendship in the new era.The Thai youth representatives shared the outcomes of their visit to China,?expressing?admiration for China's advanced development achievements.?They conveyed their willingness to learn from China's experience and strive to become heirs?of the?Thailand-China friendship and promoters of human progress.During the visit, Yang Wanming engaged in?extensive discussions with Nantana, Chairman of the Thailand-China Parliamentarians Friendship Group,?Kanog, former Chairman of the Thailand-China Parliamentarians Friendship Group,?Traisulee Traisoranakul, Secretary to the Minister of Interior,?Li Shaozhu, Senior Chairman of Thailand's Charoen Pokphand Group,?Chen Shaoyang, Vice President of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce,?Xiao Hanming, Vice President of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce,?and Theparak Leungsuwan, Chairman of the Namyong?Group.Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the CPAFFC, accompanied Yang Wanming during?the visit.

On November 11, the 2024 China-Cambodia Sister Cities Conference?was held in Siem Reap Province, Northwest Cambodia. The event?was co-hosted by the?Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia,?and the Cambodia-China Friendship Association. The conference was themed "Cambodia and China Jointly Write a New Chapter of a Community with a Shared Future". Prominent attendees included Yang Wanming, President of the?CPAFFC,?Wang Wenbin, Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia,?Ek Sam Ol, Member of the Permanent Committee of the Cambodian People's Party?and President of the Cambodia-China Friendship Association; Huot Hak, Cambodian Minister of Tourism,?and Prak Sophoan, Governor of Siem Reap Province, all of whom delivered speeches at the event. The conference brought together more than 200 people, including Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the CPAFFC,?representatives from?15 local governments across eight provinces in China, representatives from?12 Chinese-funded enterprise;?and leaders from?25 Cambodian provinces, including?Mithona Phuthong, Governor of Cambodian Koh Kong Province.In his speech, Yang Wanming stated that China and Cambodia are "iron-clad friends"?who have consistently supported each other through both good?times and bad and are like brothers?who share?mutual trust and?sincerity. He highlighted that last year, President Xi Jinping held two separate meetings?with Cambodian King Sihamoni and Prime Minister Hun Sen, during which strategic communication was maintained, and important consensus was reached on advancing the building of a China-Cambodia community with a shared future. Under the strategic guidance of?the leaders?of both nations, the China-Cambodia Diamond Cooperation Framework has been steadily?expanded to include six priority areas (including political cooperation, production capacity, agriculture, energy, security, and people-to-people exchanges). Yang emphasized that the China-Cambodia Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership has made solid progress, ushering?in a new era characterized by the building of?a high-quality, high-level,?and high-standard China-Cambodia Community with a Shared Future.This year, being?the Cambodia-China People-to-People Exchange Year,?the convening of the 2024 China-Cambodia Sister Cities Conference is particularly?timely and of far-reaching significance. Yang expressed confidence that through this platform, the sister cities of China and Cambodia would?further expand friendly exchanges, promote people-to-people exchanges,?and strengthen practical cooperation. Yang also reaffirmed the CPAFFC's commitment to building more bridges?of?friendly people-to-people exchanges to deepen the friendship?between?the two nations; building more bridges of?practical cooperation to foster mutual benefit and?common development; building more bridges for cultural exchanges?to enhance?mutual understanding; and building more bridges of?youth friendship to carry forward?the traditional ties while gathering strength to advance the people-to-people friendship and sub-national cooperation between China and Cambodia.Ek Sam Ol?welcomed President Yang Wanming and the Chinese delegation, noting that the successful holding of the conference added significant value to the Cambodia-China People-to-People Exchange Year?and enriched the foundation of the Cambodia-China Community with a Shared Future. He praised?President Xi Jinping's vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind,?describing it as a blueprint for achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,?building China into a modern socialist country,?and?addressing the common challenges faced by all countries amid?unprecedented global changes. Ek Sam Ol expressed hope that the local governments of Cambodia and China would?share development experiences, learn from each other, and ?strengthen practical cooperation to bring?greater?benefits?to?the peoples of both nations. He also reaffirmed the Cambodia-China Friendship Association’s?readiness to enhance solidarity and collaboration with the?CPAFFC, create more platforms?for exchanges, and ensure that the Cambodia-China?friendship continues to flourish and is?passed down?from generation to generation.Huot Hak?highlighted that Cambodia and China are geographically close to each other in terms of geography close and share deep ancestral ties,?with?a long tradition of friendly exchanges. He emphasized that?the traditional friendship between the two nations has endured over time and remains vibrant and full of vitality. The Cambodian Government greatly values the role of the Cambodia-China Friendship Association and the CPAFFC in fostering Cambodia-China?people-to-people friendship. He expressed his belief that the?sister?cities?conference would?inspire both nations?to deepen their friendship, expand?exchanges, and strengthen subnational cooperation.In his speech at the tourism sub-forum, Ambassador Wang Wenbin remarked?that tourism is a powerful engine for economic development and serves as a vital bridge to enhance people-to-people?friendship. He expressed confidence that,?through the joint efforts of both?sides,?China-Cambodia tourism cooperation and people-to-people exchanges would become more frequent and ever closer, providing strong?support for building a high-quality, high-level,?and high-standard China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era.Prak Sophoan noted?that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two nations, Cambodia and China have established a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and forged an iron-clad friendship.?He praised the flourishing subnational cooperation between Cambodia and China, which has?resulted in the establishment of more than 30?pairs of sister cities. Fields such as?tourism, agriculture, trade, investment,?and people-to-people exchanges have yielded fruitful results.?Prak Sophoan reiterated Siem Reap's willingness?to strengthen?collaboration with Chinese local governments, share?successful experiences, and ?pursue common development.During the conference, participants engaged?in in-depth discussions on?two main topics, namely,?"Strengthening Tourism Cooperation for a Better Future"?and "Expanding Friendship Cities?Cooperation and Deepening Cultural Exchanges".?Seventeen representatives from China's Henan, Shanxi, Hainan, Nanjing, Guilin, Xiangyang, Fuzhou,?and Wuxi?as well as Cambodia's Sihanoukville and Koh Kong provinces, delivered?speeches. They shared their perspectives and proposed suggestions?on how to implement?the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, effectively utilize local government and sister city cooperation channels, and expand bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, tourism, culture, and youth. Their contributions provided?local insights into the building of a China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era. The conference culminated in a?broad consensus and yielded several significant outcomes.?At the conference, exchange cooperation agreements?were signed between the Yungang Academy of China's Shanxi Province and the Authority for the Protection and Safeguarding of Angkor and the Region of Angkor (APSARA National Authority), and between the Wuxi Institute of Technician Jiangsu Province and the Cambodia-China Friendship Polytechnic Institute?in Sihanoukville.During the conference, President Yang Wanming held talks with Ek Sam Ol, Huot Hak, and Prak Sophoan, gave interviews to?Chinese and Cambodian media, and participated in?China-Cambodia cultural and artistic exchange activities.The event featured captivating theatrical performances by?Chinese soprano Wang Ying and the Gao?Bin?Art Troupe,?who performed alongside Cambodian artists. A highlight of the cultural exchange was a flash mob performance?by Chinese artists at Angkor Wat, further enriching the?program and showcasing the vibrant cultural ties between the two nations.

On November 8, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC)?and the Global Neighbours?jointly hosted?a roundtable discussion on China-European Union?(EU)?relations in Beijing?under the theme "EU-China Partnership: Shaping the Future Together". Yang Wanming, President of the CPAFFC,?Jovanka Porsche, Chairwoman?of?the Global Neighbours,?and Christian Kern, former Chancellor of Austria?and President of the Global Neighbours, attended the meeting and delivered speeches. Wu Hongbo, Special Representative of the Chinese Government on European Affairs, presented a keynote speech titled "Jointly Creating?a Brighter?Future for China-EU Relations".Those who also attended the event include: Zhu Guangyao, former Chinese Vice Minister of Finance,?Jiang Jiang, Vice President of the?CPAFFC,?Pan Jiang, Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation, National Development and Reform Commission?(NDRC),?Feng Zhongping, Director of the Institute of European Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS),?Zhou Xiaoyan, Vice President of the?China Council for International Investment Promotion,?Huang Yiping, Dean of the National School of Development at?Peking University,?Shi Zhiqin, Executive Director of the Belt and Road Institute of Strategic Studies?at Tsinghua University,?Cui Hongjian, Professor of the Academy of Regional and Global Governance at Beijing Foreign Studies University,?and Wang Tong, Vice President of the Guangzhou Xiaopeng Motors Technology?Co., Ltd.,?Philipp R?sler, former Vice?Chancellor and Federal Minister of Economics and Technology of Germany, and Secretary-General of?the Global Neighbours,?Herta D?ubler-Gmelin, former Federal?Minister of Justice of Germany;?Marcos Troyjo, former Deputy Minister of Economy of Brazil and former President of the New Development Bank,?Gu Xuewu, Director of the Center for Global Studies of the University of Bonn,?Eberhard Sandschneider, a renowned scholar on international relations and?China expert,?Xu Feiyu, Non-Executive Director of Airbus,?and?Oliver Radtke, Managing Director of the Global Neighbours. They conducted in-depth discussions on the meeting's theme?and reached a broad and?positive consensus.In his keynote address, Wu Hongbo highlighted that the world is undergoing profound and major changes?and?faces significant challenges, including international security, global development, and the coexistence of civilizations. He noted the frequent high-level exchanges?between China and the EU, the steady expansion of practical cooperation, and vibrant people-to-people exchanges. However, he also acknowledged existing challenges, including?economic and trade frictions?and geopolitical issues. Wu emphasized that China views its relationship with the EU from a strategic and long-term perspective and advocates resolving trade disputes through dialogue and consultation. He called for cooperation that transcends differences in ideology and values. Wu underscored the importance of 2025, which will mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. He stressed that as two major powers, markets,?and civilizations, China and the EU have a shared?responsibility to act as a steadfast force for world peace, promote common development and continuously promote?the integration and progress of human civilization.The experts and scholars who attended?the meeting believed that the development of China-EU relations in the past period has been?mixed. On the positive side, bilateral relations have shown a stabilizing?momentum. In particular, the frequent high-level exchanges?between China and the EU since the beginning of this year?reflect the trend of some European countries and the EU to?adopt a rational China policy?and the complementary and mutually beneficial?nature of China-EU cooperation. At the same time, due to the?EU's "triptych?(rival, partner and competitor)"?toward China, "de-risking"?and "reducing dependence"?on China, trade protectionism and the thinking of attaching?political and ideological labels to economic?issues and overstretching?the concept of security have spread, resulting in twists and turns in China-EU economic and trade relations. Europe's?insufficient understanding of China has also led to a decline in mutual trust between the two sides, making it difficult for the two sides to effectively implement the consensus reached earlier at the specific level.Despite the many challenges facing China-EU relations, the participants agreed that against the backdrop of major?changes?and profound adjustments in major-country?relations and geopolitics, China-EU relations are becoming increasingly important, and the roundtable is timely. China and the EU are interdependent?and their interests?are inextricably intertwined. The two sides share a common aspiration and vision for practicing multilateralism and addressing global challenges. They have?enormous potential?for cooperation in the digital economy, green transition, artificial intelligence and its governance. As participants and beneficiaries of globalization, the two sides should help each other succeed,?rather than decoupling and disrupting?industrial and supply chains. The China-EU relations?face more opportunities than challenges?in the coming years. Therefore, they should strengthen people-to-people exchanges, enrich?China-EU relations with culture, education, youth exchanges and cooperation, and make continuous efforts to improve the public opinion environment for bilateral relations?and rebuild popular support for?mutual understanding. This will help put China-EU relations back on the right track of?mutual respect, objectivity, rationality and pragmatic cooperation, ensure the steady and?sustainable growth of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership?of coordination, and bring more benefits to the two peoples.In his concluding remarks, Yang Wanming summarized the consensus reached during the discussion, emphasizing mutual trust, peace, cooperation,?and exchanges as?the takeaways. Yang stressed that?rational thinking and concrete actions are?essential to implement the consensus reached by both sides. Under the new circumstances, China and the EU should respect each other, maintain open?communication, strengthen dialogue,?and promote mutually beneficial cooperation. He also called on both sides to uphold multilateralism, respect the authority of the UN and the Security Council, and advocate for a multipolar world that champions international fairness and justice. Yang concluded by expressing the CPAFFC's commitment to deepening exchanges and cooperation with the?Global Neighbours?and their?European insightful people?to contribute to the growth of China-EU relations and global peace and stability.Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Vienna, the?Global Neighbours?aims to promote dialogue and cooperation between the EU and China.

On November 6, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with Seo Cheong-won, President of the?Korea-China Friendship Association, and his delegation?at the?CPAFFC. The two sides held an in-depth discussion on China-ROK?relations, people-to-people friendship,?and bilateral?cooperation, reaching positive consensus on several key points.Yang Wanming appreciated the positive role played by the?Korea-China Friendship Association?in facilitating people-to-people exchanges between China and the ROK and promoting the development of China-ROK relations. He also said that China and the ROK are important neighbors and cooperative partners. Over the past 32 years?since?the establishment of diplomatic ties, friendship and cooperation have always been the mainstream of bilateral relations. This has brought enormous benefits to the two countries and peoples?and contributed?to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity.?Yang referenced recent high-level meetings, during which?President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang met with ROK President Yoon Suk-yeol to chart the course for the development of China-ROK relations. He noted the?encouraging?momentum of improved bilateral relations, supported by increased?exchanges and cooperation on multiple fronts. Yang highlighted China's recent announcement of a?visa-free policy for ROK citizens?on a trial basis, emphasizing that this move demonstrates the Chinese government's strong commitment to enhancing relations.?He expressed confidence that this policy would further boost friendly cooperation and facilitate personnel exchanges between the two countries.?Yang also reaffirmed the CPAFFC's readiness to collaborate with the KCFA to implement the important consensus reached by the two countries'?leaders and create platforms for subnational exchanges, cultural collaboration, and youth engagement.Seo Cheong-won expressed appreciation for President Yang Wanming's?efforts to strengthen?China-ROK relations and praised the CPAFFC's long-standing contributions to fostering people-to-people friendship between the two countries. He highlighted the positive reception of China's recent?visa-free policy by the people?of the ROK and expressed confidence that it would enhance friendly exchanges and further bilateral development. Seo pledged the KCFA's commitment to deepening cooperation with the CPAFFC and contributing to political, economic, trade, and people-to-people?exchanges to foster greater mutual understanding and friendship between the two nations.Zhu Dan, Director-General of the Department of East Asian Affairs of the CPAFFC,?Hwang Woo-yea, former Deputy Prime Minister?of the ROK,?and Lee Hun-seung, Member of the ROK National Assembly, attended the meeting.

On November 5, 2024, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with a delegation of Brazilian youth leaders at the CPAFFC.President Yang Wanming engaged in a cordial exchange with the delegation?and provided a brief overview of?China's economic and social development achievements since the start of reform and opening up?in 1978. He highlighted that?China and Brazil?are both major?developing countries and important emerging markets, and bilateral relations have grown?steadily over?the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations.?Yang noted that in April 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian?President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva?reached an important consensus on opening?up new prospects for?China-Brazil relations in the new era. As a Chinese saying goes, "The key to sound relations between states lies in amity between the people". He expressed hope that through this visit, Brazilian youth leaders would gain a comprehensive and multidimensional understanding of the real China, build bridges of mutual understanding and friendship, and contribute to?deepening the China-Brazil comprehensive strategic partnership and fostering?people-to-people friendship.The delegation primarily consisted of members from prominent Brazilian family-owned businesses, including Suzano Papel e Celulose, Gerdau S.A., and the CGB Group. All of these young representatives were visiting China for the first time. They expressed heartfelt gratitude to Yang for taking the time to meet with them and commended China’s remarkable achievements in high technology, new energy,?and sustainable development. They expressed enthusiasm for fostering long-term exchanges and cooperation with the?CPAFFC, organizing more Brazilian youth?to come to China to get a deeper understanding of the country, and jointly creating opportunities for young business leaders from Brazil and China to enhance interaction, explore business opportunities,?and pursue joint development.After?the meeting, CPAFFC?Vice President Shen Xin?had dinner with the delegation. Sun Tao, Deputy Director-General of the Department of American and Oceanian Affairs of the CPAFFC, also attended the event.

On November 3, 2024, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with Fernando González Llort, President of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples?(ICAP), at the CPAFFC.Yang Wanming?emphasized the enduring bond between China and Cuba, describing the two nations as good friends, good comrades,?and good brothers.?Since the establishment of diplomatic ties more than 60 years ago, the two parties and countries have upheld a relationship rooted in sincerity,?trust, and mutual support. He noted that both countries have provided consistent assistance to one another during challenging times, further strengthening their traditional friendship. Guided by the important consensus reached between?Chinese President Xi Jinping and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, and taking?the upcoming 65th anniversary of China-Cuba diplomatic relations?in 2025 as an opportunity, Yang stated that?the CPAFFC?will work closely?with the ICAP?to deepen exchanges and cooperation between the two countries at the subnational?level and in the cultural field, build more bridges for friendly exchanges between young people, and further?promote?and develop?the special friendship between the Chinese and Cuban peoples.Fernando González Llort?extended warm congratulations?on the 70th anniversary of the CPAFFC's establishment and expressed heartfelt?gratitude?for the consistent?support and assistance?Cuba?has received from its Chinese brothers in all difficult times,?despite the geographic distance between the two countries.Looking to the future, González expressed the?ICAP's commitment to strengthening?its?exchanges with the CPAFFC. He pledged to actively implement?the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries through closer cooperation at the primary level and enhanced?people-to-people exchanges.Sun Tao, Deputy Director-General of the Department of American and Oceanian Affairs of the CPAFFC, and Alberto Blanco Silva, Cuban Ambassador to China,?attended the meeting.

From October 20 to 24, 2024, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), led a delegation to attend the 25th China-Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) Friendship Cities Exchange Conference and visited Busan and Gwangju metropolises, and Jeju Special Self-Governing Province?in the ROK. He had in-depth exchanges?with?people from all sectors of society?in the ROK and had an in-depth exchange of views on China-ROK friendship and people-to-people exchanges?and cooperation, and reached a broad positive consensus.During the visit, Yang met with Park Heong-joon, Chair of the Governors Association of the ROK (GAROK)?and Mayor?of Busan Metropolitan City,?Kang Ki-jung, Mayor of Gwangju,?Shin Soo-jung, Chairman of the Gwangju City Council,?Go Gwang-wan, Executive Deputy Mayor?of Gwangju,?Kim Byung-nae, Head of the Nam District of Gwangju,?and Oh Young-hoon, Governor?of the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, among other Korean local government leaders.During the meeting, Yang Wanming emphasized?that China and the ROK are inseparable neighbors and cooperative partners. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992, friendship and cooperation have remained the cornerstone?of?China-ROK relations. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, China-ROK relations?have experienced rapid growth, with?fruitful economic and trade cooperation?bringing?tangible benefits to both?peoples.?Yang noted that, since?the beginning of 2024, exchanges and cooperation between China and the ROK across various?domains?have become more active, signaling a positive momentum in bilateral relations. He called for enhanced communication and dialogue to?deepen political mutual trust and further solidify China and the ROK as friendly neighbors of mutual trust and partners of common achievements.?Yang also emphasized the importance of fostering healthy, steady,?and substantial development of China-ROK?relations. The foundation of China-ROK relations lies?in our societies, and its vitality?stems from subnational exchanges.?Subnational cooperation serves as a critical?channel and effective platform?for advancing?state-to-state relations. It is anticipated?that the ROK and China will work closely together?to actively support and participate in bilateral and multilateral exchange mechanisms such as the China-ROK Governors'?Meeting and the China-Japan-ROK Friendship Cities Exchange Conference, with the goal of accelerating?regional integration.Park Heong-joon?highlighted?Busan's active engagement?in city diplomacy and expressed hope for early discussions with China on?holding the 3rd ROK-China Governors'?Meeting. He emphasized the importance of strengthening practical cooperation between enterprises in both countries to drive mutual benefit. Kang Ki-jung?underscored?Gwangju's commitment to maintaining close exchanges with China. He noted that, particularly in times of bilateral challenges, communication between local governments and fostering people-to-people friendship are of even greater importance. Oh Young-hoon?spoke of?Jeju's?enduring?popularity among Chinese tourists. To further enhance this connection, he promptly introduced a visa-free policy for Chinese visitors. He expressed his determination to deepen?exchanges and pragmatic cooperation with China?and welcomed more Chinese tourists to Jeju, aiming to strengthen?mutual understanding and friendship?between the two peoples.President Yang also met with Seo Eui-taek, Honorary President?of the Korea-China Friendship Association (KCFA);?Shin Jung-taek, President?of the KCFA; Moon Byung-chae, President?of the ROK-China Friendly Association of Businessman; Yang Seung-hak, President of the Korea Industry-Academia?Cooperation?Research Institute; Lee Jong-kook, Executive Vice-President of the Korea Foundation; Lee Kang-hyun, President?of the National Asian Culture Center; Cho Gyeong-wan, Head of the Gwangju China Friendship Center; Kim Eel-hwan, President of Jeju National University; Ahn Sang-luk, President?of the Gwangju Branch of the Korea-China Cultural Association; Lee Kyung-bu, President?of the Gwangju Branch of the Korea-China Economic, Cultural and Educational Association and Vice President of Gwangnam Daily Newspaper; Kang Won-koo, Central President of the Korea-China Cultural Exchange Association and recipient?of the title of Honorary Citizenship?of Nanchang City, and other leaders of friendly organizations. He visited the National Asian Culture Center, the Chung Yul-song Memorial Block, the Gwangju China Friendship Center, the Confucius Institute at Honam University in Gwangju, and the Jeju National University.?Yang?also held talks and exchanges with teachers and students at the Confucius Institute and?representatives of Chinese and Korean youth. He encouraged the younger generations and members of these organizations to contribute actively to the development of China-ROK?friendly relations and?the promotion of people-to-people?friendship.Yang Wanming reiterated?that people-to-people friendship is the key to fostering?state-to-state relations.?It serves as both the foundation and the source of strength for the enduring relationship between China and the ROK. Making the 70th anniversary of the CPAFFC, Yang noted that the CPAFFC is ready to use this milestone?as a new starting point to promote friendly exchanges and practical cooperation in the fields of culture, art, media, and youth. These efforts aim to ensure the steady and sustainable growth of China-ROK relations.The friendship organizations in the ROK highly appreciated China's tremendous achievements in economic and social development and expressed their willingness to strengthen communication with the CPAFFC, work together to deepen practical cooperation in all fields, expand sister city and subnational cooperation, facilitate people-to-people exchanges, especially youth exchanges, and participate more actively?in bilateral or multilateral exchange mechanisms, so as to jointly make positive contributions to the peace, development and prosperity of Northeast Asia.Chen Ribiao, Consul General of China in Busan, Chen Jianjun, Consul General of China in Jeju, and Zhou Jihua, Acting Consul General of China in Gwangju, attended the above events.

On October 31, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), attended a dinner hosted by Scott Dewar, Australian Ambassador to China, at the residence of the Australian Ambassador to China?upon invitation.Yang Wanming?noted that, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, China-Australia relations have shown a good momentum with?continuous improvement and development. Institutional dialogues have resumed across various domains, and exchanges at all levels have expanded significantly. Yang emphasized that people-to-people and sub-national exchanges provide stability, resilience,?and dynamism to bilateral relations. He expressed the CPAFFC's?willingness to collaborate with the Australian Embassy in China to deepen practical cooperation at the subnational level and between sister cities of the two countries. Yang also called for enhanced exchanges and cooperation in fields such as?culture,?the arts, smart cities, environmental governance, science and technology, and youth?development, with the shared goal of advancing?the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership.Scott Dewar welcomed Yang Wanming to the official residence?and appreciated the positive role played by the CPAFFC?in promoting the development of bilateral relations and friendly people-to-people exchanges?over the years. He noted that the Australian Embassy in China is committed to working with the CPAFFC?to promote?cultural and artistic collaboration, deepen subnational exchanges, and create favorable conditions for more young Australians to visit China. Such initiatives, Dewar remarked, would enable young Australians to gain firsthand knowledge of and experience in China, further enhancing mutual understanding.Sun Tao, Deputy Director-General of the Department of American and Oceanian Affairs of the CPAFFC, accompanied?President Yang to the event.

From October 21 to 22, 2024, the 25th China-Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) Friendship Cities Exchange Conference was successfully held in Gwangju Metropolitan City,?ROK. Co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), the Governors Association of?the ROK?(GAROK), and the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) of Japan, the conference focused on the theme "Strengthening Trust among Local Governments of China, Japan, and the ROK for Solving Complex Issues". Approximately?400 participants attended, including President Yang Wanming and Vice President Yuan Mindao of the CPAFFC, as well as nearly 150 representatives from 39 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China. Representatives of local governments and related institutions from 27 provinces, metropolitan cities?and districts?in ROK, along with 11 prefectures and cities in Japan, also participated. Notable attendees included?You Min-bong, Secretary General of the?GAROK,?Kang Ki-jung, Mayor of Gwangju,?Shin Soo-jung, Chairman of the Gwangju City Council,?Yasuda Mitsuru, Chairperson of the Board of Directors?of the CLAIR, and Yamaguchi Nobuhiko, Vice Governor of the Osaka Prefecture.In his speech, President Yang Wanming emphasized the close geographic and cultural ties?among China, Japan, and the ROK, noting their importance as neighbors and major players in regional and global stability. Yang stated that a?sound and stable China-Japan-ROK relationship is essential for?the fundamental interests of the three nations?and their?peoples, as well as for peace, stability, development and prosperity in Asia and the world at large. Highlighting?the 25th anniversaries?of both the China-Japan-ROK Cooperation Mechanism and the China-Japan-ROK Friendship Cities Exchange Conference, Yang pointed out that?China and Japan have established 266 pairs of sister cities, while China and the ROK have formed 225 such partnerships. Yang called on the participants to fully leverage the China-Japan-ROK Friendship Cities Exchange Conference as a bridge, strengthen practical cooperation in the economic and trade fields, jointly promote scientific and technological progress and industrial upgrading, and foster new growth areas?for regional economic development. Yang also?called?to bolster exchanges and mutual learning in the cultural?field and reinforce the cultural identity of the people from?the three countries while nurturing cultural affinity among them, thereby strengthening people-to-people bonds. We should intensify friendly exchanges among young people, build more youth exchange mechanisms and platforms, and train active participants and successors for the cause of trilateral friendship. He?also?called?the three countries to join hands to address global challenges, jointly promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind and contribute insights and strength to the well-being of people in the three countries and the peace and development of the world.You?Min-bong welcomed the local government delegations of China and Japan to the ROK for the conference and expressed his gratitude to the CPAFFC?for organizing nearly 150 Chinese representatives to participate. He noted that, after 25 years of development, the China-Japan-ROK Friendship Cities Exchange Conference has become a vital?platform for the local governments of the three countries to deepen mutual trust, enhance friendship, and promote cooperation. He expressed hope that the representatives of the local governments of the three countries would strengthen?the bond of cooperation?during the conference, work together to tackle common challenges, and jointly create a bright future for Northeast Asia.Yasuda Mitsuru?emphasized the growing importance of strengthening local exchanges and cooperation in the face of a complex international landscape.?He stressed that?Japan, China, and the ROK, as close neighbors with shared historical and cultural ties, should enhance?people-to-people exchanges and practical cooperation in economic, cultural, youth, and local fields to contribute to peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia.Kang Ki-jung?welcomed the gathering of local government officials from the three countries in Gwangju. He?highlighted?Gwangju's?reputation as?the "ROK Capital?of Culture?and Arts"?and affirmed the city's commitment to fostering?local exchanges and cooperation with Japan and China.Li Hongtao, Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Henan Province,?Fang Chunbiao, Deputy Mayor of Yichun City, Heilongjiang Province,?Xie Yanbing, Deputy Secretary-General of the People's Government of?Yibin Municipality, Sichuan Province,?and Pan Xingxing, Director of the Economic Development Division of the Research Office of Beijing Municipal People's Government, also delivered speeches at the conference. Participants from the three countries engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as?"Promoting Urban and Citizen Exchanges among China, Japan, and Korea",?"Creating Sustainable Eco-Friendly Cities", and "Revitalizing Local Economies, including Smart Cities". Participants?shared experiences?and explored opportunities for cooperation in pursuit of common development.The conference achieved?broad consensus and positive results. Participants agreed that the successful holding of the conference has enhanced mutual understanding, deepened the friendship among the local governments of the three countries, gained valuable experience in urban governance, and effectively intertwined?exchanges and cooperation in the fields of economy and trade, energy, people-to-people exchanges, education, and youth programs. Moving forward, the local governments of the three countries will work together to reinforce?the foundation of people-to-people friendship, build bridges for?subnational?cooperation, and jointly safeguard?regional peace, stability, development,?and prosperity.The conference concluded with the announcement that its 26th edition will be held in 2025 in Yancheng, East?China's Jiangsu Province. Gao Shangde, Deputy?Mayor?of Yancheng, introduced the city's achievements?and extended a warm invitation to?representatives from China, Japan,?and the ROK to attend next year's event.During the conference, Korean artists performed traditional cultural programs, and the children's choir sang three folk songs from?China, Japan and the ROK in?Chinese, Japanese and Korean?languages, respectively, creating a friendly and warm atmosphere.First initiated in 1999 and jointly organized by?the CPAFFC, the GAROK, and the?CLAIR, the China-Japan-ROK Friendship Cities Exchange Conference is held annually on a rotating basis among?the three countries. It serves as a platform for addressing shared concerns of?local governments of the three countries and promoting trilateral?exchanges and cooperation.