Vice president Song Jingwu met with Mr. Ian Hume, former president of Wales China Friendship Association on March 24th and held the welcome lunch for the delegation. Song expressed condolence to the victims in London attack recently. The two sides exchanged views on promoting China-UK culture exchange and enhancing people-to-people bonds. Deputy Director General of European Department Mr. Shen Xin attended the meeting. 

The welcoming reception for 2017 first batch of Japanese college students was held in Beijing on March 24. Mr. Song Jingwu, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), Mr. SAKAI TETSUO, Vice President of Japan-China Friendship Association (JCFA) and team leader of the delegation, attended the reception and delivered speeches respectively. At the reception, Vice President Song Jingwu said, friendship, which derives from close contact between the people. The continuous development of Sino-Japanese friendship is inseparable from the active support and extensive participation from the two peoples, especially the teenagers of the two countries. He stressed that as this year marks the 45th anniversary of normalization of China-Japan diplomatic relations, the Chinese side made well-designed arrangement for delegations to China including the inspection Chinese history and social situation, the friendly exchanges with Chinese college students and Go enthusiasts, which contributed to learning about more objective, true and friendly China for Japanese teenagers. JCFA Vice President SAKAI TETSUO thanked the Chinese side for warm reception and careful arrangement. He said that promotion the exchange of the people-to-people between China and Japan in the 21st century only by increasing the opportunities of interpersonal dialogue, especially the exchanges of the teenagers of the two countries. He expressed that Japanese college students would be looking forward to this visit, and believed that this visit would become a successful journey to exchange for themselves. Chinese college students from universities of Beijing also attended the reception and communicated with Japanese college students on that day. Moreover, the two countries’ college students performed wonderful performances. The delegation was dispatched by JCFA, 99 college students came from 53 Japan universities. It is the first time for most of them to visit China. Besides Beijing, the delegation will also visit Shandong, Shanghai and other places to develop friendly exchanges with local college students during in China.

To commemorate the 45th anniversary of the normalization of Sino-Japanese diplomatic relations, the large-scale relics touring exhibition of Chinese characters: A Legacy and Marvel Perfected over Three Millennia was held in Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art on March 24. Mr.Hu Sishe, Vice President of Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries(CPAFFC), Mr. Li Tianran, Chinese Consul General in Osaka, Mr. Yamauchi Shuji, Deputy Governor of Kyoto, Mr. Takeuchi Koichi, Permanent Member of Japan-China Cultural Exchange Association, Mr. Nakano Akira, Senior Director of Japan-China Cultural Exchange Association, Mr. Shiranish Shinyichirou, Director-General of Japan-China Society, Mr.Qi Gaoquan, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Cultural Relics of Shaanxi province, Mr.Shioe Kozo, Director of Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art, and also, around 300 personages and amateurs  from cultural and business sectors from China and Japan attended the opening ceremony.     The exhibition of Chinese Characters: A Legacy and Marvel Perfected Over Three Millennia was host by Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), Art Exhibition China (AEC), and China International Cultural Association (CICA). The exhibition was arranged by China Friendship International Art Exchange Association (CFIAEA) and Japan KOUZAN Fine-Arts Company (JKFAC). Over 114 pieces of exhibits from 17 relics and museum units of 6 provinces and cities in China were displayed this time. Among the 114 items, 22 pieces are ranked as national first-class cultural relics.  Vice-President Hu Sishe said in his speech that, since the Touring Exhibition: A Legacy and Marvel Perfected Over Three Millennia started in Tokyo last October, the unique beauty of Chinese characters has attracted many visitors, and received favorable appraises from personages and amateurs from cultural sectors in both China and Japan. Data shows that around 88000 visitors came around during the 40-day exhibition period. We would say that the exhibition could be considered as a great event for Sino-Japanese cultural exchanges in recent years; also, it became as a “golden bridge” that helps to strengthen understanding and deepen friendship between China and Japan. The Touring Exhibition: A Legacy and Marvel Perfected Over Three Millennia was the first systematic relics exhibition of Chinese characters held in Japan. It is a powerful attempt using Chinese Characters as media for promoting friendship between China and Japan. The year of 2017 is the 45th anniversary to commemorate the normalization of Sino-Japanese diplomatic relationship. Also, Kyoto received the honor as the Culture City of East Asia in 2017. We believe that it is going to be a good opportunity to bring greater effect and gains for this event. This event is also going to be a significant and profound one during the history of Sino-Japanese cultural exchanges.               Consul General Li Tianran said in his speech that, during the three thousand years of evolution, Chinese characters always retain its energy and spirit. For nearly two thousand years, China and Japan developed its own culture founded by Chinese characters, gradually becoming invisible East Asian spirit in the world cultural sector. The Japanese language which was originated from Chinese, made its way to enrich the Chinese language by adding more vocabularies and contents. Kyoto is one of the most friendly cities communicating with China. It is sure that this event can be a vital platform for strengthening mutual communication and friendship between China and Japan. China and Japan are geographically close, in this way, the friendship between these two countries is not only significant for them own, but also favorable for the whole region. Mr. Li said that this year is the 45th anniversary to commemorate the normalization of Sino-Japanese diplomatic relationship. The Chinese Consulate General in Osaka will organize series of relating communication activities this year, and hope personages from all fields can devote themselves for creating more platforms for communication.           Mr. Takeuchi Koichi said in his speech that China and Japan share the culture of Chinese character, and it means a lot to both of them. The Chinese character is not only a symbol for language communication, but also as a tie that connecting the cultural communication between China, Japan, and other East Asian countries. Visual arts like calligraphy and seal cutting that were derived from Chinese characters are also favorable among folks from China, Japan, and other countries. He hoped that this exhibition can deepen Japanese people’s understanding and fondness for Chinese characters, in this way, promoting the cultural exchanges and friendship between China and Japan.    Mr.Qi Gaoquan said in his speech that, Chinese character is one of the languages that being used by the largest amount of people for longest period within broadest region. The creation and application of Chinese character not only promote the development of Chinese culture, but also have great impacts worldwide. In the long history, it is only the Chinese character that is still being used after thousand years. Also, as the media for cultural exchanges and communication, Chinese characters witness the cultural exchanges between China and Japan. We believe that after this exhibition, more and more Japanese will discover the beauty of Chinese character in this way. It will deepen understanding between Chinese and Japanese people.   In addition, Mr. Shioe Kozo made his speech by reading the congratulatory letter from Mr. Monkawa Oku, mayor of Kyoto. He wished that this event would be a great success. Also, Mr. Yamauchi Shuji gave recognition on this event, and expressed his thanks for all personages that keep promoting the friendship between China and Japan. This exhibition started from three dimensions that are the history of Chinese characters, the beauty of Chinese characters, and the profound impacts of Chinese Character. It gave the chance for visitors to see and appreciate precious relics in close range. Hope visitors can focus more on the charm and grace of Chinese characters which are displayed in different styles. Last but not least, the exhibition period is from March 24 to April 21, 2017 in Tokyo. 

At the invitation of the Association for China-Sri Lanka Social and Cultural Cooperation, Vice President Lin Yi led a delegation to vist Sri Lanka for the events marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Sri Lanka (including the Commemorative Ceremony and Forum of the 60th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Sri Lanka and China as well as China-Sri Lanka Women Friendship Forum). Representatives from local associations for friendship with foreign countries and local women federations in Beijing, Shandong, Zhejing, Fujian, Shanxi, Dongguan and Yunnan attended the events. Karu Jayasuriya, Speaker of Sri Lanka, Chandima Weerakkody, Petroliam Resources Minister of Sri lanka, Chandrani Senaratna, Secretary to the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs of Sri Lanka and Anoop Bhattarai, President of Organization for South Asian Regional Friendship and Cooperation with China attended relative events. During the events, the official web site of ASLCACC was released.  

Co-hosted by CPAFFC and the Association for Sri Lank-China Social and Cultural Cooperation, the China-Sri Lanka Women Friendship Forum was held in Colombo with a great success. CPAFFC Vice President Lin Yi attended the forum with a delegation. Madame Chandrani Senaratna, Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs of Sri Lanka was present at the opening ceremony. More than 100 people attended the forum, including Chinese delegates from local associations for friendship with foreign countries and local women federations of Beijing, Shandong, Zhejing, Fujian and Shanxi as well as women representatives from Sri Lanka. The Women Friendship Forum was consisted of three sub-forums with themes of “The Role of Women for One Belt One Road Initiative”, “How to Promote the Friendship and Cooperation Between Women Entrepreneurs of Sri Lanka and China” and “Women Development in China and Experience which Apply for Sri Lankan Community”. During the forums, both the Chinese and Sri Lankan representatives shared their views on the experiences of women development and offered constructive suggestions for future cooperations between the two sides.

On 21st Mar, Faces of Haiti Photo Exhibition was held by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries(CPAFFC) at the Peace Palace of CPAFFC’s compound. Mr. Xie Yuan, Vice President of CPAFFC, Mr. Latortue, Representative of Commercial Development Office of Haiti in China, Ambassadors from Suriname, Cuba, Colombia and Jamaica, representatives of relevant ministries, institutions and business community participated at the event.   On the welcoming speech, Mr. Xie Yuan said that both China and Haiti belong to the developing countries. Although there are no diplomatic ties between the two countries yet, the far geographical distance could not stop the friendly exchanges between the two peoples. Today’s photo exhibition depicts the scenery and local life in Haiti. Through the photos of Mr. Samuel Dameus, let us witness the daily life and tropical caribbean scenery, feel the advancement of Haitian society, people’s love for nature and their pursuit of happiness.  Mr. Latortue delivered a warm speech, expressed his appreciation for CPAFFC’s support to the Photo Exhibition. He wishes that it can let more Chinese people understand Haiti and further the two peoples’ friendship.  

On March 20th, Mr. Hu Sish，Vice President of the CPAFFC met with Mr. Calleja, President of the Malta China Friendship Society，H.E.Ambassador John Aquilina attended meeting. Mr. Hu Sishe said the CPAFFC has maintained long last friendly cooperation with the Malta China Friendship Society. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malta, the CPAFFC is willing to take this opportunity to cooperate with the Maltese side to bring the economic, culture and education cooperation between China and Malta to a new high under the “One Belt One Road”initiative. Mr. Calleja and H.E.Ambassador John Aquilina highly valued the development of Malta-China relations, said this year the Malta China Friendship Society will host ceremonies mark the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the Maltese Embassy in China will host an anniversary reception with the CPAFFC. 

On March 18th, Mr. Hu Sishe met with the delegates of 2017 Shouchiku Kabuki’s visit to China and hosted a welcoming banquet honoring Mr. Hagiuta Kouichi, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, Mr. Nakasone Hirofumi, senate member and President of LDP Congressmen’s League for the Revitalization of Kabuki, Mr. Ando Hiroyasu, President of Japan Foundation, and Mr. Otani Nobuyoshi, president of Shochiku Company Limited. In his welcoming speech, Mr. Hu pointed out that this year sees the 45th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between China and Japan. Ten years have passed since Shochiku Kabuki’s last visit to China. It’s a meaningful cultural exchange activity to introduce Kabuki-the essence of Japanese culture to Chinese people. He also briefed the delegates about the ongoing performance tour by China National Peking Opera Company in Japan and a new round of performance tour of the dance drama Crested Ibises led by the CPAFFC in the near future. He hoped that the two sides can work together for building more platforms of exchanges so as to write a new chapter for bilateral cultural exchanges and friendship.  Mr. Hagiuta Kouichi, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary mentioned in his speech that the year of 2017 marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between China and Japan, and the next year marks the 40th anniversary of signing the Treaty of Peace and Friendship. We should take the two anniversaries as a good opportunity to promote bilateral exchanges in politics, economy, culture and people-to-people activities. Such exchanges should include traditional ones like Kabuki and Peking Opera as well as modern ones like movies and so on. Such kind of exchanges will pave the way for mutual understanding and trust between the two peoples. Mr. Nakasone Hirofumi, senate member, former Foreign Minister and former Minister of Education looked back on the friendly exchanges in the past between Peking Opera and Kabuki. He hoped that the two arts can enlighten each other through exchanges and help the two peoples know better of the time-honored important history of bilateral exchanges. Mr. Ando Hiroyasu, president of Japan Foundation, spoke on behalf of the host of this performance and extended gratitude to the CPAFFC, the China-Japan Friendship Association, and Shochiku Company Limited for their strong support. He wished the 5 performances in Beijing a complete success. After the banquet, Mr. Hu Sishe watched the debut of this performance tour at Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center together with the Japanese guests.  On the evening of March 17th, Japanese Embassy in China hosted the welcoming reception for Houchiku Kabuki delegation. Mr. Hu attended the reception and delivered a speech on behalf of the CPAFFC.  2017 Shouchiku Kabuki’s visit to China was hosted by Japan Foundation and supported by the CPAFFC and Japan-China Friendship Association. The relevant staff engaged in this visit total over 90. Three classical plays including Yoshitsune, Koibikyakuyamatoourai, and Fujimusume were on show totally for five times on March 18th, 19th, and 20th.

On March 17th, Madam Lin Yi, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met with a 6-member-delegation headed by Mr. Abdeljebar El-Qastalani,Vice President of Souss-Massa Region of Morocco. Vice President Lin expressed her pleasure to meet with Mr. Abdeljebar El-Qastalani again. In October last year, at the invitation of the CPAFFC, Mr.Qastalani led a local government delegation from Morocco to attend the 2016 China International Friendship Cities Conference in Chongqing. Today, the visit of Mr.Qastalani to China again had proved that the Morocco side attached great importance to the development of local government exchanges between both countries. The CPAFFC is willing to maintain communication and coordination with the Souss-Massa Region to promote the exchanges and cooperation in the fields of local governments, enterprises and scholars as well as the development of people-to-people friendship relations between China and Morocco. Mr. Qastalani thanked Madam Lin’s meeting with the delegation and spoke highly of the CPAFFC’s role in promoting friendly exchanges between the people of China and other countries including Morocco. He said the friendly relations between China and Morocco had a long history. Morocco was located at the junction of Europe and Africa. It is willing to become China’s gate to enter Africa. Since the visit of the King of Morocco to China last year, the bilateral cooperation had developed rapidly in political, economic and other fields. In July this year, the Souss-Massa Region would organize an event to introduce investment opportunities in Morocco. Chinese local governments and enterprises are welcomed to participate in the event to advance the bilateral pragmatic cooperation between the two sides.

On March 16, the CPAFFC Vice President Mme. Lin Yi met with H.E. Mrs. Winnie N. Chibesakunda, Ambassador of Zambia to China. Mme. Lin Yi said that the CPAFFC has long been committed to promoting China-Africa local government exchanges and is willing to enhance communications with the Embassy and actively provide assistance, so as to facilitate the development of friendship cities and local government cooperation between the two countries. Ambassador Chibesakunda said that the Zambian government attaches great importance to developing bilateral relations and deepening mutually beneficial and friendly cooperation. The Embassy will stay in close contact with the CPAFFC to jointly consolidate the people-to-people friendship between Zambia and China.