The Inaugural China Denmark Regions and Cities Forum co-hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries(CPAFFC) and the Royal Danish Embassy in Beijing was successfully held in Beijing from December 5 to 6. State Councilor Yang Jiechi and Danish Minister for Gender Equality and Nordic Cooperation Karen Ellemann Kloch attended the Opening Ceremony and addressed the audience. President Li Xiaolin of the CPAFFC, Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong, Executive Vice Mayor of Beijing Li Shixiang, Vice Mayor of Beijing Wang Ning, Vice President of the CPAFFC Hu Sishe and the Danish Ambassador to China Carsten Damsgaard attended the Forum. State Councilor Yang Jiechi pointed out in his speech that guided by the vision of innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development proposed by President Xi Jinping, China is now developing towards the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all aspects. It is at an opportune time for local governments from China and Denmark to share experience and seek practical cooperation. The two sides should align their development strategies, and explore new areas of practical cooperation, so as to better serve their own development and deliver benefits to the two countries and peoples. Danish Minister for Gender Equality and Nordic Cooperation Karen Ellemann Kloch highlighted in her speech that the Forum has added a new dimension to the already strong city and regional cooperation built upon the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries from 2008. The purpose of the first China Denmark Regions and Cities Forum is to strengthen China-Denmark partnership even further by connecting sector cooperation with the established local level partnerships. She hoped that the Forum will become a continued platform for a more intense cooperation and sharing of know-how, technology and solutions to make the two countries’ cities and regions better. About 400 government, academic, and business representatives from 31 provinces and cities of China and 6 regions and cities of Denmark attended the Forum themed “Focusing on Sustainable Development towards Shared Economic Growth”. They held in-depth exchanges and discussions on sub-topics as “green urbanisation”, “improving public health”, “sustainable food and agriculture”, and “strengthening people-to-people exchange.” On the margins of the Forum, Minister Karen Ellemann Kloch, Ambassador Carsten Damsgaard and local government leaders visited Beijing’s scenes by biking in order to raise people’s awareness of environmental protection and low carbon transportation. The Danish delegation also visited Beijing Vehicle Emission Management Center, China-Denmark Milk Technology Cooperation Centre, and Fangzhuang Community Hospital.A series of documents were signed during the Forum. Harbin Municipal People’s Government and the Royal Danish Embassy in Beijing signed Letter of Intent Between Harbin Municipal People’s Government and the Royal Danish Embassy on Deepening the Cooperation in Agriculture, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and Investment Fond for Developing Countries (IFU) signed Financial Cooperation Protocol, Zhaoqing Municipal Government and Grundfos Holding A/S signed Memorandum of Understanding On Water and Wastewater Treatment Energy Saving and Environmental Protection Cooperation, Xinjiang Haozi Farm and SA Christensen signed Memorandum of Understanding regarding Dairy Farm in Xinjiang Province, Hebei Fengning Yuantianran Organic Animal Husbandry Co., Ltd. and SA Christensen signed Memorandum of Understanding regarding Organic Farm in Hebei Province, and Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism and Wonderful Copenhagen signed Joint Action Plan 2016-2017 between Beijing Tourism Commission and Wonderful Copenhagen. China Denmark Regions and Cities Forum, co-hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Royal Danish Embassy in Beijing, is the first institutional cooperation platform, under China Denmark Joint Work Programme, for the two countries’ local governments.

 On September 13, the CPAFFC Vice President Mme. Lin Yi attended the seminar on the 60th Anniversary of the South African Women’s March. South African Ambassador to China H.E. Ms. Dolana Msimang, Cabo Verdean Ambassador to China H.E. Ms. Tania Romualdo, Lesothan Ambassador to China H.E. Ms. Lebohang Ntsinyi, UNAIDS Country Director for China Dr. Catherine Sozi and other 80 guests attended the seminar. In her opening remarks, Ambassador Msimang reviewed the history of the march in which the South African women fought against apartheid, and introduced South Africa's current measures to promote women’s rights and interests and the outstanding examples of South African women as well. The representative from the All-China Women’s Federation (ACWF) read off the written remarks by ACWF Vice President Mme. Jiaoyang, which introduced the development of women in China following the 1995 World Conference on Women in Beijing. Dr. Catherine Sozi set forth African women’s role in contributing to the sustainable development of the continent.In the panel discussion, CCTV moderator Ms. Tian Wei, together with Ambassador Tania, Ambassador Ntsinyi, Dr. Anastasia, Research Associate of the Center for African Studies of Peking University, and Ms. Lu Yamin, Deputy Director General of the International Department of the ACWF, discussed women’s role in enhancing the cooperation between Africa and China through FOCAC. Mme. Lin Yi said in the closing remarks that the CPAFFC has long been dedicated to enhancing people’s friendship and promoting exchanges and cooperation in various fields including women between Chinese people and people from other countries. The CPAFFC is looking forward to making joint efforts with all parties to fully achieve the goals for women’s development of the 2030 Agenda.After the seminar, a photo exhibition on South African women’s march and a Rooibos tea party were held.

At the invitation of the Municipality of Soukra and Tunisia-China Friendship Association, the CPAFFC sent a 6-member youth delegation to visit Tunisia and attend the 8th Euro-Mediterranean Youth Theater Festival from August 19 to 27, 2016. The delegation was headed by Professor Ding Long, Council member of the Chinese-Arab Friendship Association and Vice President of School of Foreign Studies, University of International Business and Economics.The Festival was co-hosted by Ariana and Soukra Municipalities. During the visit, Governor and Secretary General of Ariana Governorate , Mayor of Soukra and Chairman of Tunisia-China Friendship Association met with the delegation respectively. The delegation also held discussions with representatives from Tunis Carthage University.

From August 19th to 23rd , Vice president Hu Sishe led 16 diplomatic delegates from different embassies in China to Heilongjiang Province for a new round of Cultural Tour and the opening ceremony of “2016 15th Hands Across the Pacific Art Exhibition ”.16 diplomats from 11 countries including Dato’Zainuddin Yahya, Ambassador of Malaysia and Mr. Karunasena Kodituwakku, Ambassador of Sri Lanka participated in the tour. In the seminar on cultural exchanges, the diplomatic envoys made face-to-face discussions with the representatives from Heilongjiang Provincial Bureau of Culture, Heilongjiang Federation of Literary and art circles, Heilongjiang Art Museum, and artists. The seminar gave the delegates a picture of the rich connotation and development conditions of the Heilongjiang culture. They discussed the potential for further cultural exchanges and cooperation between the diplomats’ countries and CPAFFC as well as Heilongjiang Province. The series of activities carried out in Chinese Cultural Tour of Diplomatic Envoys are aimed at showcasing positive Chinese cultural images and promoting the establishment of a long-term mechanism of cultural exchange and cooperation between relevant countries and Chinese cities as well as provinces with  field study in cultural situation of Chinese provinces and cities. During the Cultural Tour in Heilongjiang, the diplomatic delegation also took part in the opening ceremony of 2016 15th Hands Across the Pacific Art Exhibition.The exhibition was co-hosted by CPAFFC, Heilongjiang People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Heilongjiang Federation of Literary and art circles and Canadian International Cultural Exchange Society in Heilongjiang Art Museum From August 20th  to 31st. It gathered more than100 exhibits including oil paintings, watercolor paintings, prints, sculptures, art installations, handcrafts, photographs, etc.by artists from China, Japan, Canada, Netherlands and so on. Chinese prints made their debut in the Exhibition. At the opening ceremony on August 20th, Mr. Hu Sishe, Vice President of CPAFFC, Mr.Wang Liqun, Vice President of Heilongjiang Federation of Literary and art circles,and Mrs. Wu-Brandt Hoi Sai, president of Canadian International Cultural Exchange Society delivered speeches on the ceremony. Xinhua Net, Heilongjiang TV, Peoplearts.cn reported on the event.

The signing ceremony of Muscatine Visiting Scholars Program was held in Beijing on August 8th. President Li Xiaolin, Vice President Xie Yuan, President and CEO Wang Lu of Walmart Global eCommerce - Asia, Executive Vice President Lan Ye of JD Group attended the ceremony.In his speech, VP Xie briefly recalled the anecdotes about China-US friendship between China’s President Xi Jinping and the State of Iowa of the United States. He said, the year of 2015 marked the 30th anniversary of President Xi’s visit to the city of Muscatine in Iowa. In order to pass people’s friendship between the two countries and train more personnel for the cause of people-to-people diplomacy, the CPAFFC set up the Muscatine Visiting Scholars Program under the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development. This program aims at providing a platform for short-time training and visit for English-speaking personnel of the CPAFFC and employees of different companies. Mr. Xie said, both Chinese and foreign corporations, including Walmart, have long been dedicated to China’s public welfare and charity. Companies involved in the Muscatine Visiting Scholars Program should explore new channels based on their own advantages, and thus make new contribution to building the people-to-people friendship bridge between China and the United States. President Wang Lu briefly introduced Walmart Global eCommerce’s development in China and expressed his gratitude towards the CPAFFC’s support. He looks forward to further enhancing the cooperation between the two sides and Walmart will contribute more to promote the development of China-US relations. Secretary General Jia Ling of China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development and Senior Vice PresidentGao Huandongof Walmart’s Yihaodian signed the agreement on behalf of the two sides. President Li Xiaolin, Vice President Xie Yuan and President Wang Lu witnessed the ceremony.  

 To prepare for the 1st China-U.S. Sub-national Legislatures Cooperation Forum, Vice President Xie Yuan led a working group to visit Hawaii from May 17 to 18, and paid visits to Hawaii House Speaker Joseph Souki, Vice Speaker John Mizuno, Majority Leader Scott Saiki, Majority Floor Leader Cindy Evans, and Chief of Staff Mike Cartney from Governor’s Office. Vice President Xie introduced that the CPAFFC has been actively promoting China-U.S. sub-national relationship since its establishment. Over 250 pairs of sister state/provinces and sister cities have been twinned between the two countries. CPAFFC is also implementing several sub-national exchange mechanisms such as China-U.S. Governors Forum, and plays host to about 10 U.S. governors to visit China each year. The 1st China-U.S. Sub-national Legislatures Cooperation Forum is going to be held in Hawaii this June, and the legislative leaders from both sides will hold talks and reach agreements on the theme of tourism cooperation during the Forum. It is hoped that under the support of Hawaii State Government and Legislatures, this Forum will achieve complete success. Xie also sent an invitation to Governor David Iger for him to attend the Fourth China-U.S. Governors Forum, which will be held in Chengdu this August.  The Hawaii House leadership warmly welcomes the upcoming Forum. They said that tourism is the largest industry for Hawaii, and the Forum will not only draw more Chinese tourists to the state but promote sub-national exchange and cooperation between the two sides. The Hawaii legislature is working closely with U.S. State Legislative Leaders Foundation (SLLF) for this Forum, and will provide continuous support. Chief of Staff McCartney agreed to pass the invitation message to Governor Iger, and promised that the Hawaii State Government will actively promote the state to achieve more practical results with the Chinese side at the Forum. During the visit, Vice President Xie Yuan also met with the leadership of the U.S.-China People’s Friendship Association Honolulu Chapter and the two sides reached agreement on future exchange programs.

On February 1st, 2016 New Year Concert & China-Japan Friendly Annual Meeting held by CPAFFC in Beijing. Mr. Tang Jiaxuan, President of China-Japan Friendship Association, Ms. Li Xiaolin, President of CPAFFC, Mr. Song Jingwu, Vice President of CPAFFC, Mr. Ye Xiaowen, Chinese Member of the Fifth 21st Century Committee for China-Japan Friendship, Mr. Zhou Mingwei, Director of  China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration, Mr. KITERA MASATO, Japan's Ambassador to China, and Mr. kawaihirotaka, General Manager of KAWAI Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd., attended the concert. President Tang Jiaxuan and Japan’s Ambassador KITERA MASATO made speeches, respectively.   President Tang said that, with the effort of China and Japan, China-Japan relationship is gradually recovered and improved in 2015. High level meetings between two countries have been held many times. Two countries’ communication and cooperation in different fields are orderly recovered, as well as, the two countries’ personnel exchange keeps growing. Achieving such situation is so hard, and it should be valued by both sides. However, relevant conflicts between the two countries have not yet been solved essentially. The improvement of the two countries’ relationship is still not very promising. It still requires both sides to keep their commitments, and make long-term effort to promote friendly bilateral relations.  President. Tang Jiaxuan emphasized that, the friendly relationship between China and Japan is not only important for fundamental interests of the two countries and the two peoples, but also important for the stability and prosperity of Asia and even the whole world. China is willing to work together with Japan, in the spirit of learning from the history and facing up to the future on the basis of the four documents between the two countries, to implement the four-point principled agreement, advance China-Japan strategic and mutual beneficial relationship, and promote the two countries’ relationship returning to normal development track as soon as possible.President. Tang Jiaxuan also expressed, no integration of streams, can't result in seas and oceans. Without constant hard working for the cause of friendship between China and Japan in practice, the two countries’ relations cannot be kept steady and forward. In the new year, the China-Japan Friendship Association would like to keep active cooperation with Japanese friends in various circles so as to enhance the mutual understanding and trust between the two countries’ people and improve the China and Japan’s relations. We wish our effort would contribute to providing good conditions for the 45th anniversary of Chinese-Japanese Normalization of Diplomatic Relations.Mr. KITERA MASATO thanked the CPAFFC for making contributions to promoting the friendly exchanges between the two countries and for giving great support to the Embassy of Japan in China. He said that, the China-Japan relations had developed better and better through the top leaders’ meetings in the last year. He expected to take opportunities of the G20 Summit and Meeting of Japan, China and Korea leaders in this year, to improve and develop China-Japan relations. He said, I am confident about the Chinese economy although someone is worried about it. There will be a broader space for the cooperation between the two countries, since the economic relations between the two countries is very close. The Embassy of Japan in China would like to make efforts on developing the China-Japan relations together with CPAFFC and China-Japan Friendship Association.During the concert, Ms. Chen Manchun and Ms. ENTAI AYANO, the Chinese and Japanese youth pianists, Mr. Du Cong and Mr. Fang Jinlong, the folk music artists, and Mr. Ye Xiaowen, the Chinese Member of the Fifth 21st Century Committee for China-Japan Friendship, performed the beautiful folk and western music. The environment was warm and excited in the concert.About 150 persons, from related ministries, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the International Liaison Department of CPC Central Committee, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Education, the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Youth League and organizations concerned, and representatives from related units in Beijing, the Japanese Embassy in China, Japanese organizations and enterprises in China, and the media of the both sides, attended the above activity.   

On 5 November, Ms Lin Yi, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with Mr John Le Fondré, Chief Minister of Jersey Island and his delegation at the CPAFFC. Vice President Lin Yi extended warm welcome to Mr John Le Fondré, and briefed him on the activities carried out by the CPAFFC including people-to-people exchanges and local government cooperation. Lin said the CPAFFC attached great importance to friendly exchanges with the UK including the Jersey Island, and hoped to deepen China-Jersey exchanges and cooperation in the fields of financial services, culture and education, and tourism through this visit. Mr John Le Fondré thanked the CPAFFC for helping arrange his visit in China, and expressed willingness to work with the CPAFFC to promote the two sides’ exchanges and cooperation. Deputy Director General Zhang Ruoning of the European and Asian Department attended the meeting. Photographed by Wang Fan

Mme. Lin Yi, Vice President of the CPAFFC, met with H.E. Mr. Baba Jidda, Ambassador of Nigeria to China on November 1, 2019. Mme. Lin Yi expressed thanks to Ambassador Jidda for his long-term support to the CPAFFC. She said that Nigeria is China’s important strategic partner in Africa. In recent years, China-Nigeria people-to-people and cultural exchanges have been increasingly close, and pragmatic local government cooperation has enjoyed vigorously development as well. The CPAFFC will maintain its close contact with the Embassy, to jointly promote continuous development of China-Nigeria strategic partnership. Ambassador Jidda spoke highly of the CPAFFC’s work in enhancing Nigeria-China people-to-people exchanges. He looked forward to strengthening ties with the CPAFFC, so as to promote pragmatic cooperation in areas such as local government and agriculture between the two countries.  The two sides also discussed on future cooperation programs.  Photographed by Pei Xingchen

On the morning of Oct. 22nd, Palestine Ambassador H.E. Mr. Fariz Mahdawi paid a visit to the CPAFFC. Two sides reached a consensus on holding events on the international day of solidarity with Palestine people, and made a discussion for promoting people-to-people friendly exchanges in the future. Photographed by Gong Xu