On the afternoon of March 17th, organized by the Chinese Peple’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), China-Japan Friendship Association (CJFA), Japan Business Foundation and Japan Economic Propaganda Center, the China-Japan Seminar of Environmental Protection was held in Beijing. Mr. Song Jingwu, Vice President of CPAFFC, Mme. Wang Xiuyun, Vice President of CJFA, Mr.KURAUCHI MUNEO, Director of Planning Department of Chinese Affairs Committee of Japan Business Foundation, Mr. SHIMIZU TOSHIYUKI, Dirctor of Planning Department of Economy and Foreign Affairs Committee，specialists, scholars and representatives of business on environmental protection from China and Japan were present at the seminar. Vice President Song Jingwu said in his speech, China and Japan are important neighboring countries, and also large economic countries with great energy consumption. The two countries could compliment each other and achieve mutual benefit in environmental protection. This will not only contribute to further expanding the economic and trading communication between China and Japan, cultivating the new growth point of economy, strengthening the capability of sustainable development, but also will be great significance of overall interests of the development of bilateral relations. It is expected that this seminar will be a new opportunity for promoting the exchanges and cooperation in environmental protection of the two countries to higher and deeper level, so as to bring more benefit to two peoples and play an positive role for improving China-Japan relation. Mr. KURAUCHI MUNEO said, in recent years, the cooperation in environmental protection of the two countries has become a hot topic concerned by various circles. In this situation, we hope to take this seminar as a platform, to exchange successful experience on environmental treatment, and share our view of future development of the cooperation in environmental protection of the two countries. I believe the success of this seminar will further promote the exchange and cooperation in environmental protection between China and Japan. At the seminar, the representatives from the two countries had heated discussion on Control and Prevention of Atmosphere, Water and Soil Pollution and other topics. They shared the successful results and experience, and had in-depth discussions on mode, method, and prospect of the cooperation of the two countries. The representatives agreed that the two sides should further strengthen the communication and exchange, and insist the principles of pragmatism, mutual benefit and win-win, to make efforts to enhance the cooperation level and expand the cooperation space and field, jointly pushing forward the sustainable development of the environmental protection industry of the two countries. 

On 16th March, Vice President Song Jingwu hosted a luncheon in honor of the visiting Irish Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr. Alan Kelly and the accompanying Irish Ambassador to China, Mr. Paul Kavanagh.  Vice President Song extended his welcome to Minister Kelly and his delegation on behalf of President Li Xiaolin. He said, last December, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland signed the “Memorandum of Understanding on a Framework for Jointly Enhancing People-to-People Exchange and Cooperation Between the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland”. The CPAFFC would like to, on the basis of this MOU, make joint efforts with the Irish related authorities to facilitate China-Ireland youth exchanges in the fields of agriculture and environmental protection, enhance local government cooperation, promote the two countries’ cultural exchanges, and contribute to advancing China-Ireland mutually-beneficial strategic partnership. Minister Kelly said that China and Ireland share a traditional friendship. He is willing to work together with the CPAFFC to expand cooperation to various fields. Ambassador Kavanagh said that Ireland will join hands with the CPAFFC to strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges, promote local government cooperation and the development of people-to-people diplomacy.

From Mar. 11th to 13th , CPAFFC Vice President Xie Yuan led a delegation to pay a good will visit to Cuba. During his visit, Vice President Xie Yuan had meetings with Yolanda Gomez, Chairwoman of Foreign Affairs Committee of National People’s Congress of Cuba and Mario Alzugaray, Deputy Director-General of Department of Asian and Pacific Affairs of the Cuban Foreign Ministry  respectively. He also had work meetings with Calidad Diego, Chairwoman of Cuba-China Friendship Association (CCFA), Vice Chairwoman ?Alicia , Kenia?Serrano, Chairwoman of Cuban Institute of Friendship with People (ICPA) and other leaders from the Cuban friendship associations. At the meeting with Chairwoman Yolanda Gomez, Vice President Xie Yuan said, it is important that CPAFFC delegation visits Cuba at the moment of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Cuba. In Latin-American countries, Cuba is the first one established diplomatic relations with China. The CPAFFC has kept close contact with Cuba. This visit is for planning the future bilateral cooperation, and preparing for the next 55 years’ friendship between the two peoples. Vice President Xie Yuan briefed the status of establishment of direct flight route between China and Cuba, overseas tourism of the Chinese tourists and the CPAFFC’s work on Cuban affairs. He emphasized the important role people-to-people contact plays in strengthening the traditional friendship between the two countries. Chairwoman Gomez extended her welcome to the delegation and spoke highly of CPAFFC’s work on friendship with Cuba. She praised the contribution that the ethnic Chinese in Cuba made to Cuba’s independence and construction. She appreciated for the Chinese people’s long term support to Cuba’s construction. She introduced the status of NPC of Cuba, the development of Cuba-U.S. relation and the progress of economic and social reform of Cuba. At the meeting with Mario Alzugaray, Deputy Director-General of Department of Asian and Pacific Affairs of the Cuban Foreign Ministry, Vice President Xie Yuan thanked Mr. Alzugaray for his work of promoting the friendship between the two peoples being an old friend of the CPAFFC. He introduced the work of the CPAFFC, and the structure and cooperation between the friendship associations of the two countries. He hoped the Foreign Ministry of Cuba to continuously support the CPAFFC’s work. Deputy Director-General Mario?Alzugaray extended his welcome to the delegation. He recalled the deep friendship with the Chinese people and the history of the cooperation with the CPAFFC. He said, the two countries have similarities, the Foreign Ministry of Cuba will support the events held by the CPAFFC and ICPA. He also invited CPAFFC President Li Xiaolin to visit Cuba at a proper time. At the meeting with the leadership of CCFA and ICPA, Vice President Xie Yuan spoke highly of great achievements Cuba has received in development and construction. He thanked the two organizations for their long-term work on cause of friendship for the two peoples. He briefed the work and events in this year and invited the Cuban delegation to visit China. He also had negotiation with related persons on cooperation in celebrating the 55th anniversary of China-Cuba diplomatic ties, culture and art, personage exchang and etc..  Chairwoman Kenia?Serrano of ICPA introduced the current status and future plan of friendly-to-China work. During his visit, Vice President Xie Yuan was interviewed by magazine published by ICPA.

From March 6th to 20th, 2015, a special delegation of 68 members from Jewish Federation of North America (JFNA) came to China, and visited Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an and Hong Kong. Most of the delegates were the first time to China. On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the victory of the world anti-fascist war, they came with a special purpose of searching for the history of how Chinese have provided generous help for tens of thousands of Jews during WWII.    During the visit in Beijing, Mr. Xu Kuangdi, former Vice Chairman of the CPPCC and President of China-US Friendship Association, Mme. Li Xiaolin, President of CPAFFC and Mr. Wu Sike, Ambassador at large on the Middle East met with the delegation in Diaoyutai State Guesthouse on March 12.  Chairman Xu Kuangdi said in his remarks that both Chinese and Jewish people suffered so much during the WWII. Chinese people opened their doors and hearts to the Jewish people when they came to Shanghai for help, in which this became solid foundation of friendship between the two peoples. In recent years, many Jewish people from all over the world come back to China to search for their old Chinese friends and neighbors, and some 3rd generation come to feel the land that once has provided warm and hope to their grandparents. Chairman Xu specially mentioned an exhibition on the history of Jewish refugees in Hongkou District of Shanghai, which has kept many unforgettable memories. He wish more Jewish people could donate their old pictures and articles for the exhibition to remember the history of Jewish people in Shanghai. Chairman Xu also said that this year is the 70th anniversary of the victory of the world anti-fascist war. Chinese people treasure the friendship with Jewish people, and will continue to be a reliable, trustworthy and responsible partner and friend of Jewish people in the world. Chairman Xu Kuangdi’s speech touched the whole delegation, and many of the delegates could not help themselves stand-up and gave a long and warm applause to show their deep respect and appreciation. Mme. Suzanne Grant, the head of delegation, on behalf of 68 delegates, expressed sincere thanks to Chinese people during WWII to help all the Jewish people. She also expressed her wish to further promote friendship and cooperations between Chinese and Jewish peoples as well as to have effort for enhancing a sound relationship between China and America.  After the speeches, Luochuan Junior Yangko Team and Ansai Junior Waist Drum Team, sponsored by “Rainbow Bridge Project”, performed a special folk dance for the Jewish friends, and also presented a patchwork named “Xin Tian You at the foot of Pagoda Mountain” to the delegation as a special gift.  The JFNA Delegation consists of influential lawyers, doctors, entrepreneurs, businessmen and social activists in the US. After Beijing, they visited Shanghai Jewish relics and hold Sabbath ceremony in Ohel Rachel Synagogue in Shanghai as well.  

From March 9th to 11th, CPAFFC Vice President Xie Yuan led a delegation to pay a friendly visit to Bahama. During the visit, Vice President Xie Yuan paid official calls on H.E. Mme.Marguerite Pindling, Governor-General of Bahama, Sir Arthur Foulkes, the former Governor-General of Bahama, and held work meeting with the leadership of Bahama-China Friendship Association (BCFA). Meeting with Governor-General Marguerite Pindling During his meeting with Governor General Pindling, Vice president Xie Yuan thanked the governor-general for her long-term support on the cause of friendship between China and Bahama. He spoke highly of the contribution that BCFA has done in recent decade. He briefed the CPAFFC’s function of conducting the friendship cities, and wished to facilitate the establishment of the first pair of friendship city between China and Bahama, so as to promote the exchange and cooperation for the local governments of the two countries. Governor-General Pindling extended her welcome to the delegation. She expressed that it will be a pleasure that the two countries could achieve breakthrough in establishing friendship cities and will constantly support the people-to-people friendly contact between the two countries. Meeting with Former Governor-General Sir Arthur Foulkes During his meeting with Sir Foulkes, the former governor-general of Bahama and an old friend of the CPAFFC, he said he is grateful that Sir Foulkes spares no efforts to promote the people’s friendship between the two countries. He introduced the CPAFFC’s work, and its willingness of strengthen the cooperation with Bahama in promoting tourism and other fields. Sir Foulkes appreciated for Vice President Xie’s compliment. He recalled the history of the contact between the two sides and wished to offer more assistance to the CPAFFC in future friendly cooperation.  Attending Reception Held by BCFA At the meeting with the BCFA, Vice President Xie Yuan praised the numerous achievements that BCFA has reached since its establishment 10 years ago. The both sides had negotiation and reached consensus on future cooperation in fields of friendship cities, culture, art and etc.. BCFA held a reception for the delegation, Vice President Xie Yuan, Chairman of BCFA, executive secretaries of Foreign Ministry and Ministry of Tourism of Bahama delivered speeches at the reception; Mr. Yuan Guisen, the Chinese Ambassador to Bahama, personages from industrial and commercial circles were present at the reception. Vice President also received an exclusive interview of Bahama national broadcast. Having Meeting with BCFA

The Thai-Chinese Young Executive Program (TCYEP), initiated by CPAFFC, Chinese Embassy in Thailand and Thai-Chinese Culture and Economy Association, was held from March 1st to 6th 2015 in Thailand. CPAFFC Secretary General Li Xikui led the Chinese youth delegation to attend the event. H. R. H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Vice Prime Minister Pridiyathorn Devakul, Prof. Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, President of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA),met the Thai and Chinese young delegates respectively. The delegates from two countries attended a NLA meeting and two seminars with the themes of “Thailand-China Relations and the Peace and Development of South East Asia”as well as “Broaden Your Prospective toward China-Thailand AEC Community” respectively. The delegations also visited the Chachoengsao province for the “Students Lunch Project”which was sponsored by Princess Sirindhorn.

The government of Sri Lanka has decided to suspend the USD 1.4 billion Colombo Port City project funded by a Chinese enterprise, who has been required to provide legitimate license issued by relevant authorities. Association for Sri Lanka China Social and Cultural Cooperation (ASLCSCC), a close partner of the CPAFFC, said, the  Chinese funded Colombo Port City project will enormously boost social and economic development by bringing huge capital support for the development of Sri Lanka and employment opportunities for local Sri Lankan, hence the association called on President of Sri Lanka to reconsider the decision of the authority to suspend the construction of the Port City project. Mr. Indrananda Abeysekera, President of the ASLCSCC, said that they were shocked to learn that the government of Sri Lanka made the indiscreet decision to suspend the construction because of the appeal of certain political party. The ASLCSCC earnestly requested the government to act in the significant interests of the development of the country, give green light to the Port City project, and clear all negative impacts of the suspension of the project.

On March 3rd Deputy Director General Level Counsel of the Department of European & Central Asian Affairs, Secretary-General of the China Central Asia Friendship Association (CCAFA) Ms. Hu Chunmei accepted interview from Uzbekistani reporters on the recent presidential election of Uzbekistan on 29th March 2015.

From Feb 18th to 22nd, 5th Cross-Strait Spring Festival Folklore Fair co-organized by China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development, Chinese Culture Friendship Association and Henan People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) was held in Taizhong City. This year’s fair covers world famous Shaolin Martial Art, Taichi Kungfu, Henan folk performance, traditional handcraft, local special food, calligraphy and photo exhibition, and porcelain exhibition. The above events presented the soul of folk culture of central China. CPAFFC Vice President Li Yin led a delegation to visit Taiwan and attended the opening ceremony.   In her address at the opening ceremony, Vice President Lin Yi said, this year is the Year of the Goat. In ethic Chinese’s mind, goat is docile animal. In ancient China, the Chinese character of goat is alternative with auspiciousness. So this year must be a peaceful and harmonious year. I believe this year’s Cross-Strait Spring Festival Folklore Fair will bring all the visitors unique experiences. At the same time, she indicated that the success of this fair will further strengthen the sense of the same root and ancestor of compatriots in Taiwan, as well as draw near the distance of the people across the strait. And will be of great significance for promoting the cultural exchanges cross the strait.

On February 10th, Ms. Zhang Ruoning, Deputy Director General of the Department of European & Central Asian Affairs met with Mr. Mattias Lentz, Minister Counsellor, Head of Political Section; Mr. William Fingleton, Head of Press Section of the EU Delegation to China. The two sides exchanged views on matters related to the joint celebration of the 40th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations.