Mr. Liu Xincheng, vice chairman of National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attended the reception in celebration of 1st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and The Dominican Republic in Beijing on May 9, 2019. Mr. Qingang, Vice minister of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, and others attended the reception. Vice-Chairman Liu Xincheng had a meeting with Dominican Ambassador to China Briunny Garabito. They exchanged views on how to develop the bilateral ties. Mr. Hu Sishe, vice president of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), said in his speech that the bilateral relations had been developing rapidly since the establishment of the diplomatic relations. Both sides understand and support each other in international affairs and increasingly keep close contact in the fields of the economy and trade, culture, sport and etc.. The friendship between the people of the two countries continues to grow. He hoped that the people between the two countries could strengthen the exchanges and enhance the mutual understanding and friendship, which make China-Dominica friendly relations deeply root in hearts of two peoples. Dominican Ambassador to China Briunny Garabito pointed out in his speech that, Dominican government recognizes the principle of one China policy. In the past year, the political exchanges between the two countries had been continuously strengthened and the pragmatic cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, tourism, education and etc. was also increasingly deepened and expanded. He would like to take this opportunity to thank Chinese government for giving support in Dominican economic and social development and expected that the bilateral ties could make outstanding achievements in future. The reception was jointly organized by CPAFFC and Dominican Embassy in China. Nearly 100 people, including the Chinese relevant departments and leaders from International Department, Central Committee of CPC, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Ministry of Commerce of China, General Administration of Customs of China, State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Communist Youth League of China Central Committee, Chengdu, the Export-Import Bank of China, China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation and Tsinghua University as well as Dominican representatives in China from all walks of life, attended the activity. During the reception, the painting exhibition on Impression Dominica was held and the art group from Minzu University of China also gave performances.       Photographed by Sun Tao

On May 9th, Ms Hu Chunmei, Assistant Counsel of the Department of European and Asian Affairs, met with Ms Leslie Evans, Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government, the UK. The two sides exchanged ideas on preparing for a Ministerial visit from Scotland and the Fifth China-UK Regional Leaders Summit.

On May 4th, President Tang Jiaxuan of China-Japan Friendship Association met with Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians’ union Delegation in Beijing. The delegation was led by Hayashi Yoshimasa, former Japanese Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Vice President Song Jingwu, Deputy Director-General of Japanese Affairs Department Zhu Dan from the CPAFFC and Minister for Political Affairs Ueno Atsushi of the Japanese Embassy to China also joined the meeting. Mr Tang Jiaxuan welcomed Mr Hayashi Yoshimasa and his delegation’s visit to China and spoke highly of continuing contributions had made by Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians’ union to China-Japan friendship. He said that this is the very first high level Japanese politician delegation to China since the beginning of the Reiwa era in Japan. From this we can see that both the Japanese government and Japanese public attached great importance to China-Japan relations and the Chinese side speak highly about this. Mr. Tang said that we will strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians’ union and further promote China-Japan friendship trough exchanges in various fields and levels. Mr. Tang said China-Japan relations have returned to normal track after turmoil with emergence of signs of further improvements which is really gratifying. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and Japan has entered a new era, China-Japan relations are at a historical new converging point. China and Japan are both of great influence in Asia and the World, it is our shared duty and possibility to together make contributions to the peace, stability and progress of Asia and the World at large. Hope Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians’ union will keep determined and make further more contributions to the improvement and development of China-Japan relations.  Mr. Hayashi Yoshimasa thanked President Tang’s meeting and said that the new Japanese emperor has just ascended to the throne and this year is the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. He understood the serious implications behind this visit at this important historical juncture. As the Chinese saying goes: Only those who are firm and resolute can withstand severe trials. The improvement and development of Japan-China relations lie with the continuous efforts by friends of all walks of life from Japan and China. Rome wasn’t built in a day. The future of Japan-China relations needs our further concrete efforts. With its long history, Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians’ union is willing to cooperate with the Chinese side and continually facilitate new developments in the bilateral relations in the future.           Photographed by Dong Dandan

Mr. Hu Sishe, vice president of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met with Mr. Darko Pajovic, the republic of Montenegro Ambassador to China, and his delegation on April 30. Vice President Hu Sishe said, the relationship between the republic of Montenegro and China had been increasingly developed. He hoped that both sides could develop more exchanges in the fields of people-to-people and culture as well as economy under the framework of the Belt and Road. Ambassador Darko Pajovic made an introduction about the programs Montenegro had developed with China in recent years and expected to keep close contact, so as to commonly promote the cooperation and exchanges in various fields. Mr. Zhang Juxiang, director-general of China Service Center for Friendship and Cooperation with Foreign Countries (CSC) of CPAFFC, Mr. Hu Yang, deputy director-general of CSC, attended the meeting.         Photographed by Yu Xiaodong

Vice President Xie Yuan met with Becky Carter, special representative and daughter-in-law of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, on April 30th in Beijing. Vice President Xie extended warm welcome to Becky and appreciated the long-term efforts President Carter and his family have made towards pushing forward the China-U.S. relationship. He spoke highly of the pragmatic cooperation between CPAFFC and Cater Center during the past two decades and hoped to maintain a good relationship with Carter Center as it has been. Becky Carter thanked CPAFFC for the support and recognition to the Carter family and Cater Center. She said that President Carter attached great importance to the U.S.-China relations. The Carter family as well as the Carter Center would like to continuously make their own contributions to this significant relationship.            Photographed by Jin Hanghang

On April 27th, President Tang Jiaxuan of China-Japan Friendship Association met with Mr. Nikai Toshihiro, the Special Envoy of Japanese Prime Minister and Secretary General of Liberal Democratic Party of Japan and his delegation to the 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing. Vice President Song Jingwu of the CPAFFC, Counselor Xue Jian from the Chinese MFA, Deputy Director General Zhu Dan and Cheng Haibo of the CPAFFC, as well as the Japanese Ambassador to China Yutaka Yokoi also joined the meeting. President Tang welcomed Mr. Nikai’s visit to China for the 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation as the Special Envoy of Japanese Prime Minister. He said that this forum is a great success with positive outcomes.The Belt and Road Initiative is a new platform for exchanges and pragmatic cooperation among all the countries including China and Japan. China welcomes Japan to join the Belt and Road Initiative and continuously inject new impetus into the exchanges and cooperation and the bilateral ties between China and Japan.  President Tang said, after a period of twists and turns, China-Japan ties are in a sound momentum with exchanges and cooperation in various fields showing steady improvement. China and Japan should meet each other half way with concerted efforts and promote new achievements in the bilateral relations. The future of China-Japan ties lie in the hands of our youth, this year is the Youth Exchanges Facilitating Year between China and Japan. In cooperation with our Japanese partners we will keep building up the basis of China-Japan relations through in-depth youth exchanges.   Mr. Nikai congratulated China on the success of the 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and said that today’s positive outcomes will become tomorrow’s fruits. People to people contacts especially youth exchanges are of great importance, he is willing to make new contributions to youth exchanges and friendly relations between Japan and China.           Photographed by Zeng Guangming

At the invitation of CPAFFC, H. E. Ph.D Sinlavong KHOUTPHAYTHOUNE, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of People’s Revolutionary Party of the Laos and Party Secretary and Governor of Vientiane, led a delegation of 22 people including government officials and entrepreneurs to visit Beijing from April 24 to 27 and attended the thematic forum on Sub-national Corporation under the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.   Sinlavong KHOUTPHAYTHOUNE made a speech on the Opening ceremony of the thematic forum on Sub-national Corporation Sinlavong KHOUTPHAYTHOUNE made a speech on the opening ceremony of the thematic forum on Sub-national Corporation. He said that Lao PDR and China are good neighbors with shared future and the Laos-China Comprehensive Strategic and Cooperative Partnership relations enjoys smooth development. The Laos highly praises and fully supports the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping and the jointly building projects under Belt and Road Initiative such as Laos-China high speed railway will bring tangible benefits to the Laos. Sinlavong also pointed out that sub-national corporation is of great importance in bilateral ties and the Belt and Road Initiative would promote the development of local government like Vientiane as well as other counterparts both in China and the Laos. During his visit in Beijing, Mr. Cai Qi, member of Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and municipal party secretary of Beijing, met with Governor Sinlavong and his delegation. Mme. Li Xiaolin, President of CPAFFC presented the Award of “Exchange and Cooperation of Chinese Sister City” to H.E. PhD Sinlavong KHOUTPHAYTHOUNE which was awarded to Vientiane in last November. Mme. Lin Yi, Vice President of CPAFFC attended the above-mentioned activities. Governor Sinlavong and his delegation also paid a visit to some Chinese enterprises such as CHEC, NORINCO, CRCC and etc.   Cai Qi met with H.E. PhD Sinlavong KHOUTPHAYTHOUNE Mme. Li Xiaolin present the award to H.E. PhD Sinlavong KHOUTPHAYTHOUNE Meeting with CHEC Meeting with NORINCO Meeting with CRCC     Photographed by Liu Lu

On April 26,  Vice President Lin Yi of CPAFFC met with Mr. Adriano Botelho de Vasconcelos, Advisor to Angolan President in Beijing. Mr. Adriano Botelho de Vasconcelos was visiting China at the invitation of CPAFFC. Madame Lin briefed Mr. Vasconcelos on CPAFFC’s exchanges with Angola. She said that CPAFFC is willing to collaborate with Angolan counterparts and implement the relevant consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries through deepening people-to-people and cultural communication, advancing practical cooperation of local governments and achieve zero breakthrough on the twinning of friendship provinces and cities.  Madame Lin also hoped that Mr. Vasconcelos continue to care for the China-Angola friendship cause and support the work of the friendship associations of the two countries. Mr. Vasconcelos highly appreciated the work of the friendship associations of the two countries. He said that Angola can draw on the experience from the remarkable achievements of China and accelerate the national development. He expressed his willingness to give his full support to the friendship associations, introduce Chinese values to Angola as well as promote the twinning of friendship provinces and cities.   Mr. Vasconcelos thanked the Chinese side for making arrangements for him to attend the Belt and Road CEO Conference during the Second Belt and Road Forum on International Cooperation. He said that the market environment in Angola is gradually improving, which will provide great development opportunities for both state-owned and private enterprises of China.  Madame Lin said that the Belt and Road Initiative is, up to now, the largest public goods provided for the international community by China. The Second Belt and Road Forum on International Cooperation will further strengthen the “hard connectivity” as well as “soft connectivity” between China and other countries in the world so as to realize common development.            Photographed by Xu Yan

Mr. Song Jingwu, vice president of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met in Beijing with Mr. TASSO TAKUYA, governor of Iwate –ken, Japan, and his delegation on April 25. Mme. Zhu Dan, deputy director-general of Department of Japanese Affairs of CPAFFC, Mr. Li Jiming, director general of Foreign Affairs Office of Yunnan Provincial People’s Government, Mme. Zhou Hong, president of Yunnan People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, attended the meeting. Vice President Song Jingwu extended welcome to Governor TASSO TAKUYA for paying special visit in Beijing to attend Local Government Sub-forum of the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF). He said, although the Sino-Japanese relations confronted with difficulties, the two countries have been developing the exchanges and cooperation between the local governments, which boosted the improvement of the bilateral ties. The current Sino-Japanese relations have returned to the  normal track with showing positive signs, which are inseparable from the active efforts of the local governments of the two countries including Iwate-ken. The Belt and Road Initiative provided new opportunities for the two countries to deepen cooperation. He expected that China and Japan would take BRF as an opportunity to continuously deepen the exchanges and cooperation, and jointly make more contributions to the peace and development in Asia and the world. Governor TASSO TAKUYA made an introduction about the exchanges situation developed by Iwate-ken and Yunnan province as well as other relevant regions in China. He said, these years, Iwate-ken increasingly developed exchanges with China, which achieved a lot of pragmatic results. He would like to take this opportunity to further deepen the exchanges and cooperation with China in various fields and improve the bilateral relations through jointly participating in the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative.         Photographed by Shen Haiting

On the afternoon of April 25th , jointly hosted by CPAFFC and Beijing Municipal People’s Government, the Thematic Forum on Subnational Cooperation of the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation was successfully held at China National Convention Center in Beijing. The Forum centers on “Deepening Sub-national Cooperation and Sharing Development Benefits”. More than 300 delegates from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao,and over 40 countries covering five continents attended the Forum. There were state governors, mayors and their representatives, representatives of numerous international organizations, entrepreneurs, experts, scholars, etc. Madame Li Xiaolin, President of CPAFFC and CIFCA, Mr. Chen Jining, Mayor of Beijing, Madame Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr. Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune, Secretary of CPC Committee and Governor of Vientiane of Lao PDR, Mr. Christian Wulff, Former President of Germany attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches respectively.    During the meeting, representatives from various countries shared their experience and achievements in Belt and Road local exchanges and discussed future cooperation prospects and opportunities. In their speeches, all governors highly recognized the positive influences of “the Belt and Road Initiative” on local cooperation among countries. They also expressed their expectation to further enhance  exchanges at local and regional level under BRI framework, by actively participating in Belt and Road cooperation, promote local economic and social development and improve people’s wellbeing.  Meanwhile, together with local governments of all countries and guided by the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, they hope to strengthen dialogue and cooperation, continue to develop friendship city relations in an active, pragmatic and gradual manner, and jointly promote Belt and Road construction.   14 local cooperation agreements between China and foreign countries were signed during the forum, involving many aspects such as establishment of friendship city relations, people-to-people exchanges, economic and trade cooperation. These fruitful results have conveyed a positive signal from all parties to deepen local cooperation and work together to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.             Photographed by Liu Yan