Joint Communique of the Leaders Roundtable of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation
1. We, President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China, President Mauricio Macri of the Republic of Argentina, President Alexander Lukashenko of the Republic of Belarus, President Michelle Bachelet Jeria of the Republic of Chile, President Milos Zeman of the Czech Republic, President Joko Widodo of the Republic of Indonesia, President Nursultan Nazarbayev of the Republic of Kazakhstan, President Uhuru Kenyatta of the Republic of Kenya, President Almazbek Atambayev of the Kyrgyz Republic, President Bounnhang Vorachith of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte of the Republic of the Philippines, President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation, President Doris Leuthard of the Swiss Confederation, President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an of the Republic of Turkey, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan, President Tran Dai Quang of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, Prime Minister Hun Sen of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama of the Republic of Fiji, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras of the Hellenic Republic, Prime Minister Orbán Viktor of Hungary, Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni of the Italian Republic, Prime Minister Najib Razak of Malaysia, Prime Minister Jargaltulgyn Erdenebat of Mongolia, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi of the Republic of the union of Myanmar, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Prime Minister Beata Szyd?o of the Republic of Poland, Prime Minister and President-elect Aleksandar Vu?i? of the Republic of Serbia, President of the Government Mariano Rajoy Brey of the Kingdom of Spain, and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, attended the Leaders Roundtable of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation on 15 May 2017 in Beijing. We also welcome the participation of Secretary General Antonio Guterres of the United Nations, President Jim Yong Kim of the World Bank Group, Managing Director Christine Lagarde of the International Monetary Fund. The Leaders Roundtable was chaired by President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China.
General Context
2. We are mindful that the world economy is undergoing profound changes, presenting both opportunities and challenges. This is an era of opportunity, where countries continue to aspire for peace, development and cooperation. The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with the set of Sustainable Development Goals at its core provides a new blueprint of international cooperation.
3. In this context, we welcome bilateral, triangular, regional and multilateral cooperation where countries place emphasis on eradicating poverty, creating jobs, addressing the consequences of international financial crises, promoting sustainable development, and advancing market-based industrial transformation and economic diversification. We note with appreciation that various development strategies and connectivity cooperation initiatives have been put forward, providing broad space for strengthening international cooperation.
4. We further recognize the challenges that the world economy faces. While it is currently experiencing modest recovery, downside risks remain. The growth of global trade and investment remains tempered, and the rules-based multilateral trading regime is yet to be strengthened. All countries, especially developing ones, still face common challenges of eradicating poverty, promoting inclusive and sustained economic growth, and achieving sustainable development.
5. Noting that the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (The Belt and Road Initiative) can create opportunities amidst challenges and changes, we welcome and support the Belt and Road Initiative to enhance connectivity between Asia and Europe, which is also open to other regions such as Africa and South America. By providing important opportunities for countries to deepen cooperation, it has achieved positive outcomes and has future potential to deliver more benefits as an important international initiative.
6. We also emphasize the opportunities which can be created by communication and coordination among other global, regional and national frameworks and initiatives for promoting cooperation in connectivity and sustainable development, such as 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Addis Ababa Action Agenda, Agenda 2063 of the African Union, Ancient Civilizations Forum, APEC Connectivity Blueprint, ASEAN Community Vision 2025, Asia-Europe Meeting and its group on path-finder of connectivity, Caravanserai Customs Initiative, China and Central and Eastern European Countries Cooperation, China-Europe Land-Sea Express Route, East-West Middle Corridor Initiative, EU-China Connectivity Platform, EU Eastern Partnership, Eurasian partnership based on the principles of equality, openness and transparency, Initiative for the Integration of Regional Infrastructure in South America, Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025, Main Directions for Economic Development of the Eurasian Economic union until 2030, Paris Agreement on Climate Change, Trans-European Transport Networks, Western Balkans 6 Connectivity Agenda, WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement.
7. We reaffirm our shared commitment to build open economy, ensure free and inclusive trade, oppose all forms of protectionism including in the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. We endeavor to promote a universal, rules-based, open, non-discriminatory and equitable multilateral trading system with WTO at its core.
Cooperation Objectives
8. We stand for enhancing international cooperation including the Belt and Road Initiative and various development strategies, by building closer collaboration partnerships, which include advancing North-South, South-South, and triangular cooperation.
9. We reiterate the importance of expanding economic growth, trade and investment based on level-playing field, on market rules and on universally recognized international norms. We welcome the promotion of industrial cooperation, scientific and technological innovation, and regional economic cooperation and integration so as to increase, inter alia, the integration and participation of micro, small and medium enterprises in global value chains. Attention should be paid to tax and fiscal policies, prioritizing growth and productive investment.
10. We stand for strengthening physical, institutional and people-to-people connectivity among all countries. The least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, small island developing states and middle-income countries deserve special attention to remove bottlenecks of development and achieve effective connectivity.
11. We endeavor to expand people-to-people exchanges, promote peace, justice, social cohesion, inclusiveness, democracy, good governance, the rule of law, human rights, gender equality and women empowerment; work together to fight against corruption and bribery in all their forms; to be more responsive to all the needs of those in vulnerable situations such as, children, persons with disabilities and older persons; and help improve global economic governance, and ensure equal access by all to development opportunities and benefits.
12. We are determined to protect the planet from degradation, including through taking urgent action on climate change and encouraging all parties which have ratified it to fully implement the Paris Agreement, managing the natural resources in an equitable and sustainable manner, conserving and sustainably using oceans and seas, freshwater resources, as well as forests, mountains and drylands, protecting biodiversity, ecosystems and wildlife, combating desertification and land degradation so as to achieving sustainable development in its three dimensions in a balanced and integrated manner.
13. We encourage the involvement of governments, international and regional organizations, the private sector, civil society and citizens in fostering and promoting friendship, mutual understanding and trust.
Cooperation Principles
14. We uphold the spirit of peace, cooperation, openness, transparency, inclusiveness, equality, mutual learning, mutual benefit and mutual respect by strengthening cooperation on the basis of extensive consultation and the rule of law, joint efforts, shared benefits and equal opportunities for all. In this context we highlight the following principles guiding our cooperation, in accordance with our respective national laws and policies:
a) Consultation on an equal footing: Honoring the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law including respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries; formulating cooperation plans and advancing cooperation projects through consultation.
b) Mutual benefit: Seeking convergence of interests and the broadest common ground for cooperation, taking into account the perspectives of different stakeholders.
c) Harmony and inclusiveness: Acknowledging the natural and cultural diversity of the world and recognizing that all cultures and civilizations can contribute to sustainable development.
d) Market-based operation: Recognizing the role of the market and that of business as key players, while ensuring that the government performs its proper role and highlighting the importance of open, transparent, and non-discriminatory procurement procedures.
e) Balance and sustainability: Emphasizing the importance of economic, social, fiscal, financial and environmental sustainability of projects, and of promoting high environmental standards, while striking a good balance among economic growth, social progress and environmental protection.
Cooperation Measures
15. We affirm the need to prioritize policy consultation, trade promotion, infrastructure connectivity, financial cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, and we highlight concrete actions, in accordance with our national laws and regulations and international obligations where applicable, such as:
a) Pursuing dialogue and consultation in order to build synergies in development strategies among participating countries, noting the efforts to strengthen cooperation in coordinating development of the Belt and Road Initiative with other plans and initiatives as mentioned in Paragraph 6 and to promote partnerships among Europe, Asia, South America, Africa and other regions.
b) Conducting in-depth consultation on macroeconomic issues by optimizing the existing multilateral and bilateral cooperation and dialogue mechanisms, so as to provide robust policy support for practical cooperation and the implementation of major projects.
c) Strengthening cooperation on innovation, by supporting innovation action plans for e-commerce, digital economy, smart cities and science and technology parks, and by encouraging greater exchanges on innovation and business startup models in the Internet age in respect of intellectual property rights.
d) Promoting practical cooperation on roads, railways, ports, maritime and inland water transport, aviation, energy pipelines, electricity, fiber optic including trans-oceanic cable, telecommunications and information and communication technology, and welcoming the development of interconnected multimodal corridors, such us a new Eurasian Land Bridge, Northern Sea Route, the East-West Middle Corridor etc., and major trunk lines to put in place an international infrastructure network over time.
e) Maximizing synergies in infrastructure planning and development by taking into account international standards where applicable, and by aiming at harmonizing rules and technological standards when necessary; fostering a favorable environment and predictability for infrastructure investment by private capital; promoting public-private partnership in areas that create more jobs and generate greater efficiency; welcoming international financial institutions to increase support and investment for infrastructure development.
f) Deepening economic and trade cooperation; upholding the authority and effectiveness of the multilateral trading system, and working together to achieve positive outcomes at the 11th WTO ministerial conference; promoting trade and investment liberalization and facilitation; enabling the general public to benefit from trade.
g) Expanding trade by nurturing new areas of trade growth, promoting trade balance and promoting e-commerce and digital economy, welcoming the development of free trade areas and signing of free trade agreements by interested countries.
h) Advancing global value chains development and supply chain connectivity, while ensuring safer work places and strengthening social protection systems; increasing two-way investment, and enhancing cooperation in emerging industries, trade and industrial parks and cross-border economic zones.
i) Enhancing cooperation in ensuring the protection of the environment, of bio-diversity and of natural resources, in addressing the adverse impacts of climate change, in promoting resilience and disaster-risk reduction and management, and in advancing renewable energy and energy efficiency.
j) Regarding the process of customs clearance, strengthening cooperation on information exchange and on developing mutual recognition of control, mutual assistance of enforcement, and mutual sharing of information; enhancing customs cooperation with a view to facilitating trade including by harmonizing procedures and reducing costs, and in this regard, strengthening cooperation in protecting intellectual property rights.
k) Jointly working on a long-term, stable and sustainable financing system; enhancing financial infrastructure connectivity, by exploring new models and platforms of investment and financing and improving financial services; assessing the opportunity to better serve local financial market; and encouraging development-oriented financial institutions to play an active role and strengthen cooperation with multilateral development institutions.
l) Contributing to a stable and equitable international financial system; promoting openness and connectivity among financial markets, including through mutual cooperation on payment systems and the promotion of financial inclusion; encouraging financial institutions to establish commercial presence in relevant countries and regions; promoting bilateral local currency settlement and cooperation agreements, and facilitating the development of local currency bonds and stock markets; encouraging dialogues to enhance financial cooperation and fend off financial risks.
m) Promoting people-to-people exchanges and bonds by deepening practical cooperation on education, science, technology, sport, health, think-tank, media, capacity building including through internships.
n) Encouraging dialogues among civilizations, cultural exchanges, promoting tourism and protecting the world's cultural and natural heritage.
Our Vision for the Future
16. Our joint endeavor on the Belt and Road Initiative and seeking complementarities with other connectivity initiatives provide new opportunities and impetus for international cooperation. It helps to work for a globalization that is open, inclusive and beneficial to all.
17. We reiterate that promoting peace, mutually-beneficial cooperation, and honoring the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law are our shared responsibilities; achieving inclusive and sustainable growth and development, and improving people's quality of life are our common goals; creating a prosperous and peaceful community with shared future for mankind is our common aspiration.
18. We congratulate China on successfully hosting the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
Source: Minisry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal-Salote Pilolevu Tuita Speech
- 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE CHINESE PEOPLE’S ASSOCIATION FOR FRIENDSHIP WITH FOREIGN COUNTRIES
Your Excellency, President Xi Jinping,
Honorable Members from the People’s Republic of China,
Madame Li Xiaolin
And the Members of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is indeed an honor for the Pacific delegation and I, to be invited and to participate in celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. I have been given the privilege of representing the Pacific island nations as a guest of the Association, and to address you here today.
This wonderful tradition of people to people’s relationship, fostering peace, harmony, goodwill and equality, together with enhancing friendship, is the foundation and the core of this Association. The vision of the forefathers and Leaders of this country, in creating and supporting this principle, has brought all of us here today regardless of how big or small your country maybe, in itself, it promotes harmony and peaceful coexistence.
Today, there is some tension in certain parts of the Pacific Ocean and I would like to draw your attention to this, so that you and I together, can support a peaceful solution to eliminate these tensions. In the past, there have been many unfortunate events in the Pacific Ocean but today, we hope that the Chinese Friendship Association’s philosophy, belief and acting on this belief, will be the solution that will help us to support a peaceful and friendly process in reducing these tensions and solving the conflicts, because friendship has no boundaries. Ferdinand Magellan named the biggest Ocean in the world – Pacific, meaning Peaceful because of the calm waters, and Captain James Cook named the Kingdom of Tonga the Friendly Islands because he found the people to be friendly. My experience with my relationship with the people of China has been both peaceful and friendly.
The People’s Republic of China, has initiated and maintained a mutual friendship, mutual cooperation, mutual trust and equality to all Sovereign Nations and has provided support in so many areas including culture, industry, education, health, information and technology to the Pacific Region. Credit must be given to the Leadership of Madame Li Xiaolin and the Association for the role it has played in developing the relationship between countries in the Region and the People’s Republic of China. For that, I extend my most sincere gratitude and heartfelt thanks to Madame Li Xiaolin and the Association.
The long term support and dedication given by China to the Region has grown from strength to strength to which we are all grateful for, it has been done based on people to people’s relationship, mutual respect for each other and this has been my experience with my friends in China.
I anticipate that the Conference will be successful over the next few days and I truly believe that this will be an event that will continue for years to come and we look forward and will be honored to participate as a family member of the Association.
May the spirit of friendship and peace be amongst all now and forever.
Remarks at the China International Friendship Conference in Commemoration of 60th Anniversary of CPAFFC by Yukio Hatoyama
May 15, 2014
Yukio Hatoyama
Former Prime Minister of Japan
Today, witnessed by The Honourable President Xi Jinping and many other disguished friends from all over the world, the Chinese People''''s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries is celebrating its 60th birthday. I’d like to express my sincere congratulations on the occasion.
Meanwhile, as a member of the Japanese delegation invited to the event, I take it as a great honor to have the opportunity to speak in front of the most influential and eminent people in this house.
The 20th century was an era troubled by wars and conflicts, when world wars came up in swift intervals. In the turbulent whirlpool of history, Japan caused immense pain to the Chinese people. Japan has expressed deep remorse for this and determined to become a nation that will never involve itself again into any warfare. This is a determination to which we should commit forever.
Unfortunately, the world is still far from carefree of disputes and conflicts. We find disputes continue in numerous parts of the world, and the use of brutal force will get us nowhere near the fundamental settlement of these hostile disagreements.
We must start from the treatment of hearts and minds to fundamentally solve the disputes. I firmly believe that “Friendship”, advocated by Count Richard Nikolaus von Coudenhove-Kalergi of Austria and my grandfather Ichiro Hatoyama, is the only proper idea to cure the current political chaos.
The friendship means to respect one’s own dignity and freedom and that of the others. This idea should apply to not only interpersonal relationships, but also state-to-state relations, and even the communication between man and nature.
We should not be opinionated, yet instead, we need to listen to each other, try to understand and trust each other, and always be ready to help.
Today, I think I stand and speak on behalf of Asia, and then to act as a representative of Asia, I believe that the realization of the idea of fraternity means to establish an integrated east Asian community. Now that Europe has built the European Union, and however, I reckon there is little reason to prevent us from making a united Asia.
If the Asian countries strengthen cooperation in areas of education, culture, environment, health care, and social security besides their close economic partnerships maintained in trade and finance, and enhance a sense of community, then Asia will undoubtedly make far more significant contribution to world peace and development.
Thus, in this regard, President Li Xiaolin together with members of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and by now the friendly cooperative relationships established with friends all over the world in various fields, have all greatly contributed to world peace and development.
We sincerely welcome that China, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, is now playing an important role in regional and global affairs as a responsible great country. Recently, the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures (CICA) of Asia will be held, and will discuss the new Asian security concept, which coincides with my idea of the establishment of an integrated east Asian community. I highly appreciate it.
Today’s Asia moves on the path of development and prosperity in twists and turns, thanks to the tremendous post-war hard works by our great predecessors. In order to maintain sustainable and stable order in East Asia region, we must follow the footsteps of our ancestors and make more efforts.
Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, with efforts of our friends of the Chinese People''''s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, I believe that in the near future, we will meet on the day with both flourishing plum and cherry blossoms.
60 years equals a complete cycle of Chinese traditional calendar. Here, I would like to wish Chinese People''''s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, an organization steadily growing to maturity, in view of new goals and determination, a greater development.
Build on Past Achievements to Write a New Chapter in the Cause of People-to-people Diplomacy
--Speech by Madam Li Xiaolin
President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries
At the China International Friendship Conference
In Commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the CPAFFC
May 15, 2014
Your Excellency President Xi Jinping,
Distinguished guests from home and abroad,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear friends,
Today we are gathered here at this grand China International Friendship Conference to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC). We are deeply honored to have with us His Excellency Mr. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, who will deliver a keynote speech in a few minutes. On behalf of the CPAFFC, I wish to pay high tribute to President Xi and other leaders attending the Conference. I would also like to express our warm welcome to all foreign friends coming from afar and hearty gratitude to people from all walks of life who have long supported our work.
The CPAFFC was established in May 1954. Its predecessor, the Chinese People’s Committee for World Peace, started to conduct people-to-people diplomacy as an important part of China’s overall diplomatic efforts even before the founding of People’s Republic of China. During the Yan’an period, the older generation of revolutionaries including Chairman Mao Zedong seized every opportunity to make international friends to win sympathy and support for the Chinese people’s cause of national liberation. In 1936, after an exclusive interview with Chairman Mao, American journalist Edgar Snow wrote the book Red Star Over China. The book presented to world the Communist Party of China and the revolutionary cause under its leadership, and created a big stir in the world. Canadian doctor Norman Bethune and Indian doctor Kwarkanath S. Kotnis travelled thousands of miles to China to help the Chinese people in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and laid down their lives on this vast land. Their sacrifice composed an immortal paean of upholding justice and internationalism.
In the early years of New China, a pressing diplomatic task for the country was to oppose war, advocate peace and break Western countries’ blockade. The CPAFFC, since its founding, regards conducting people-to-people diplomacy and making friends for the country as its mission, and has made unremitting efforts to present China and win friendship. To celebrate the opening of the Helsinki World Peace Congress in 1955, the CPAFFC invited 14 renowned Chinese calligraphers and painters including Master Qi Baishi to jointly produce a huge traditional Chinese painting “Ode to Peace”, which expressed the ardent wish of Chinese people for peace and their opposition to war.
People-to-people diplomacy has played a unique pioneering and facilitating role when diplomatic relations are absent or run into trouble. In 1971, Chairman Mao invited a U.S. table tennis delegation to China, which riveted the attention of the world and played an important role in opening the door of China-US relations. It was branded by media organizations as “ping-pong diplomacy” in which the small ping-pong ball affected the whole globe. In 1973, with the personal attention of Premier Zhou Enlai, Tianjin of China and Kobe of Japan forged the first international sister-city relationship in China, extending people-to-people diplomacy to the sub-national level.
Since the launch of reform and opening-up, successive Party and State leaders including Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao have all valued and supported people-to-people diplomacy. President Xi, in particular, has placed high importance on people-to-people diplomacy by taking time to attend various CPAFFC activities and has given us huge support and encouragement. As a major player in people-to-people diplomacy, the CPAFFC has played an active role in China’s reform and opening-up, economic development and the great cause of peaceful reunification. It has constantly broadened its work fields and innovated working methods, and achieved fruitful results.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear friends,
The past six decades have witnessed our endeavor in enhancing understanding and friendship. In the past 60 years, the CPAFFC has set up friendship associations with 46 regions and countries and established relationship of friendly cooperation with more than 500 non-governmental organizations and institutions in 157 countries, thus laying a solid social foundation for the normal state-to-state relations between China and other countries. Among the friends of CPAFFC, regardless of their social status, age and residence, their friendship and goodwill toward the Chinese people have never changed, and their support and assistance to China have never ceased. Sitting in the audience today are many such good and old friends. The Chinese people will always remember you.
The past six decades have witnessed our endeavor in promoting exchanges and cooperation. Entrusted by the Chinese government, the CPAFFC is responsible for coordinating and managing sister-city affairs. Thanks to more than 40 years of efforts, China has forged 2,106 pairs of sister-province/state and sister-city relations with 133 countries. In addition, we have established a number of bilateral and multilateral platforms for local government dialogue and exchanges, including China International Friendship Cities Conference, China-US Governors Forum, Forum for Local Leaders of Yangtze River Region of China and Volga Federal District of Russia, China-Japan Governors Forum, High Level China-France Forum on Local Government Cooperation, Forum on China-Africa Local Government Cooperation and BRICS Friendship Cities and Local Governments Cooperation Forum.
The past six decades have witnessed our endeavor in promoting world peace and development. In its modern history, China has suffered greatly from foreign aggression, war and turmoil. Therefore, the Chinese people are resolute in their resolve and determination to follow a path of peaceful development. The CPAFFC is an active advocate of peace and opponent of war. In 1986, the CPAFFC held the Chinese People’s Rally for World Peace and organized the torch-lighting ceremony for the First Earth Run at the Tian’anmen Square. In 2005, to mark the 60th anniversary of the victory of the world’s anti-fascist war, the CPAFFC invited more than 200 veterans and their relatives from 22 countries to China for the commemorative activities to review history, draw lessons for the future, and call on the world to jointly uphold the victory of the war against fascism.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear friends,
As we take stock of our achievements in the past six decades, we will never forget the personal care of Party and state leaders, the strong support from friendship organizations and individuals in other countries, and the hard work of our colleagues in 315 local friendship associations across China. At this moment, I’d like to acknowledge with sincere respect those who made outstanding contributions to the cause of people-to-people diplomacy, the CPAFFC Honorary Presidents Madam Soong Ching-Ling and Deng Yingchao, Chairman Guo Moruo of the Chinese People’s Committee for World Peace, and the CPAFFC former Presidents Chu Tunan, Wang Guoquan, Chai Zemin, Wang Bingnan, Zhang Wenjin, Han Xu, Qi Huaiyuan, and Chen Haosu, for their persistent efforts in the development of the Association.
Sixty years is a milestone as well as a new starting point. At present, the Chinese people are working hard for the “Chinese Dream” put forward by President Xi Jinping featuring great national renewal, economic prosperity and happiness of the people. The Chinese Dream is consistent with the world’s dream of promoting peace and well-being of all mankind. The realization of the Chinese Dream needs the understanding and support of people of all countries, and the extensive exchanges and cooperation between China and the rest of the world. In the new historical era, we will continue to hold high the banner of "friendship, peace, cooperation and development", continue to innovate the content and methods of our work, play a leading role in promoting people-to-people diplomacy and a key role in public diplomacy, serve as a bridge for local government cooperation between China and other countries, and make new contribution to the great renewal of the Chinese nation, to world peace and development, and to the worthy cause of people-to-people friendship!
Thank you!
Letter of Thanks by 2013 CAYCEF Participants
【Note: The CPAFFC and the China National Committee for the Care of Children (CNCCC) hosted the 1st China-ASEAN Youth Cultural Exchange Festival (CAYCEF) in Beijing from August 1st to 6th 2013, organized by CNCCC Public Service Center. Around 250 young delegates participated in the event. They come from 20 provinces or cities in the Chinese mainland and Taiwan as well as from 10 ASEAN countries including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Through visits, experience tours, courses and joint performances, young delegates established friendship and deepened understanding with each other. Recently, 10 ASEAN young delegates sent a letter to the CPAFFC, sharing their thoughts of the CAYCEF and expressing gratitude to the hosts and organizer.】
To: The Chinese people’s association for friendship with foreign countries
Hi, we are the 10 representatives from each Southeast Asian Country. Our average age is 18 years old and most of us are still studying in high schools. In this hopeful beginning of 2014, we are happy to share an overseas friendship story with you.
In the first week of August in 2013, the 10 countries of ASEAN sent approximately 10 youths to go Beijing, China to join the first “China-ASEAN Youth cultural exchange festival”, which was hosted by “China National Committee for the care of Children”, “Chinese People’s association for Friendship with Foreign Countries” and organized by “CNCCC Public Service Center”. We were hand in hand to represent all of our ASEAN friends who were fortunate to be part of the festival. We are still grateful to have experienced this precious, meaningful and historical grand event.
In the journey, we experienced and touched the four-thousand-year history, culture and wonders of China. Our ASEAN friends got a deep and good impression of the main coordinator Mr. Wu Jiong, the MC Ms. Xu Jing and each instructor from Beijing Foreign Studies University. Although we did not have the same mother tongue, they treated us like a friend and made us feel that we were not alone in the far place away from home.
Actually for us, the most valuable thing was to meet plenty of new friends in life. This kind of new friend is never get old. We were from 10 different countries in ASEAN, speaking different languages, living in a completely different cultural background, with different customs, and educational structures. Hence, the processes of knowing each other, sharing the similarities, celebrating the differences, until accepting each other and becoming friend, are always fresh.
Five months have gone, and 2014 a brand new year has started. Recalling the memories, we thought that after the festival, everybody going back to their own country and continuing their regular lifestyles, our connection would slowly disappear. But it is so amazing that we continue our friendship until now by Internet! Perhaps it is because destiny brought some true friends together. However, there is still an uncertain future of us, but we believe it is beautiful still.
Moreover, we have a group on Facebook with one hundred members and some of us have established a private team called “The ASEAN Youth Summit” to make sure the friendship is still tight with lots of continuing discussions and conversations. We always work hard to increase our international knowledge in real life, and work towards of our shared dream – Reunion!
It is only a pure thought and a dream, which is why we created those things. We are having some thought now, for example: backpacking together to experience the world, and meeting each other on a glorious international stage. We sincerely believe that we will achieve it in someday.
Finally, we feel grateful to all of the organizations like those I have mentioned, and of course the United Nations and other non-governmental organizations. All of you let the world share each other and increase the interest between human to have more positive possibilities. Thank you very much!
Warmest regards,
Soon Jian Jun, Brunei
Nguon Sony, Cambodia
Aulia Pratiwi, Indonesia
Khamla Sabpaso, Laos
Lee Set Jin, Malaysia
Myat Min Hein, Myanmar
Mau Romero, Philippines
Zhang Zheng Lin, Singapore
Wannawat Em-ong, Thailand
Nguyn Hà Chi, Vietnam