Co-hosted by Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in China, the reception for celebrating the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between China and Republic of Rwanda was held in Beijing on November 4th. Around 300 guests attended the reception including Mr. Wang Zhengwei, Vice-Chairman of National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Mme. Zhang Qiujian, Deputy Secretary-General of CPPCC, Mr. Louise Mushikiwabo, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Rwanda, Mr. Charles R. Kayonga, ambassador of the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in China. CPAFFC Vice President Lin Yi and Rwanda Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo delivered speeches respectively. Before the reception, Wang Zhengwei met with Louise Mushikiwabo. Wang Zhengwei said that China-Rwanda relations have achieved great development and the two countries’ pragmatic cooperation has yielded fruitful result over the past 45 years since the establishment of their bilateral relations. Taking the implement of the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation as an opportunity, the Chinese side is willing to make efforts together with the Rwanda side to achieve results as soon as possible, so as to have the two peoples benefited from the results of the Summit. Louise Mushikiwabo said that Rwanda government attaches high importance to China-Rwanda friendship. The two countries increasingly strengthen the political mutual trust and further deepen the cooperation in various fields. China and Rwanda have a common development prospect and a huge cooperative potential. The bilateral relations will step into a new stage of the development.

On November 4, 2016, Release Ceremony of the Arabic Translations of the Chinese Classical Works and High-End Seminar on Culture Image in Translation was held by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) in cooperation with the the Publishing Group of Beijing Normal University (PGBNU) and Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) at BFSU. Mrs. Luan Yutao, Deputy Director General of the Asian and African Department of the CPAFFC attended and addressed the event. Supported by the Silk Road Project sponsored by the State Press and Publication Administration and published by PGBNU, the Arabic Translations of the Chinese Classical Works select classic works of the most influential Chinese Confucianist and Taoist and present to overseas readers the essence of their thoughts from different dimensions. This set of books crystalizes a decade’s hard work of Mr. Mohsen Fergani Abdelbaki, a well-known Egyptian sinologist, as well as the winner of both the "Chinese Arab Friendship Outstanding Contribution Award" and “China Book Special Contribution Award”. Xinhua News Agency, People's Daily, CCTV and other media reported this event.

On November 3, CPAFFC Vice President Lin Yi met with Mr. Mohsen Fergani Abdelbaki, Egyptian translator as well as one of the winners of "Chinese Arab Friendship Outstanding Contribution Award". Vice President Lin welcomed the visit of Mr. Fergani and congratulated him on the release of his newly published the Arabic Translations of the Chinese Classical Works. Lin said that the CPAFFC is willing to cooperate with Mr. Fergani and other scholars and experts who are keenly interested in Chinese culture, to carry out cultural and academic exchanges between China and Egypt. Mr. Fergani thanked the CPAFFC for inviting him for this visit, and hoped to strengthen his cooperation with the CPAFFC. He also extended an invitation to Madam Lin to visit Egypt. Counselor Moataz Anwar Mostafa of the Egyptian Embassy in China and Deputy Director General Sun Xueqing of the Asian and African Department of the CPAFFC were also present at the meeting.

On October 31st, Vice President Xie Yuan met with Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) leadership delegation. VP Xie sent his warm welcome to the delegation. He said China and U.S. are enjoying the best time of bilateral relation and huge cooperative potential in different areas including education are lying ahead. During the past 62 years, aiming at enhancing more people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, CPAFFC has played a vital role in promoting sub-national cooperation. He hopes the delegation could seize the opportunity, conduct more exchanges and facilitate more pragmatic cooperation in education between China and U.S.. Dolores Bradley, head of the delegation, expressed her honor and privilege to visit China. She introduced that all members of the delegation represent different schools, but they have a common goal which is to build up connection and enhance the cooperation with universities in China and promote student exchanges. 

On October 30th, Mme. Lin Yi, Vice President of Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), attended the reception for welcoming Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel visiting China in Belgian Embassy in China. At the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel visited China. It is on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between China and Belgium. Mr. Liu Haixing, Assistant Minister of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Mr. Qu Xing, Ambassador of Chinese Embassy in Belgium, attended the welcoming reception.

2016 Nanjing World Historical & Cultural Cities Exposition and International Forum on Cultural Inheritance and Innovation organized by CPAFFC, Nanjing Municipal Government and UNESCO were successfully held in Nanjing from Oct.23 to 29. Mayors, experts, scholars and diplomatic envoys from over 20 countries attended the relevant activities. Mr. Hu Sishe, vice president of CPAFFC delivered speeches at a series of activities. In the evening of October 23, the opening ceremony of the Exposition was held at Zhonghua Gate. The ceremony combines cultural heritage and new technology perfectly in the ways of fashion show, immersive theater and 3D lighting. On October 24, the Forum of Mayors of World Historical and Cultural Cities was held in Nanjing Museum. Tens of mayors or representatives from both home and abroad participated and exchanged views at the forum under the theme of “sustainable development of historical and cultural cities”. Mr. Hu Sishe delivered a speech at the opening ceremony. Mr Hu Sishe at the Expo On October 25, “Shared Memory, Everlasting Friendship: Exhibition of Historical Photos of FAU and UNRRA’s Aid to China” was held in Nanjing Aviation Memorial Hall. Mr. Hu said that Nanjing is a city closely connected with the international community during the Second World War. Also, it suffered the severest invasion and the most appalling Nanjing Massacre by the Japanese Army. The history of the international organizations and friends’ aid to China in the anti-fascist war has become a valuable part of world cultural heritage. After the ceremony, Mr. David Brough, the offspring of FAU and planner of the exhibition gave the audience a detailed introduction of the pictures.  Opening Ceremony of Exhibition of Historical Photos Of FAU and UNRRA’s Aid to China On October 26, the first International Forum on Cultural Inheritance and Innovation was held in Nanjing Grand Hotel. 49 guests were present including Mr. Hu Sishe, Vice President of CPAFFC, Mr. Orevba, Charge d’affaires of Nigeria embassy in China, Mr. Liu Hongjian, Deputy Party Secretary of Nanjing University, Mrs. Su Yuhong, Director of Nanjing Foreign Affairs Office, Mr. Peter Stone, UNESCO Chair in Cultural Property Protection and Peace, and Mr. Tian Qing, Director of China Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Association.          Mr. Hu Sishe at the Forum The forum takes “protection and innovation of cultural heritage” as its theme. Mr. Hu said in his speech, “development can’t do without inheritance. However, without innovation, pure inheritance won’t help the culture make progress. That is justified in the five thousand years’ history of China. Since Reform and Opening up, the ancient Chinese traditional Culture rejuvenated owing to the spirit of innovation. CPAFFC would like to take the opportunity of Nanjing Expo to build a platform for exchanges and experience sharing together with Nanjing Municipal Government, Nanjing People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and Nanjing University. He encouraged the experts and scholars to make new contribution to the common development of world culture. Professor Peter Stone introduced in his keynote speech the seven threats facing world intangible cultural heritage and the efforts made by Blue Shield Organization in reducing war destruction to the cultural heritage. Professor Tian Qing explained the great role intangible cultural heritage could play in poverty alleviation. After the keynote speeches, the guests made an in-depth discussion taking the topics of “Different ways of cultural inheritance and innovation”, “Cultural inheritance and self-confidence”, and “Practice of cultural inheritance in China”.  The Guests at the Forum The Exhibition of the Selected Chinese Folk Arts was held during the forum under the organization of CPAFFC and the Institute of Cultural and Natural Heritage of Nanjing University. The ingenious exhibits with vivid images won appraise from the experts and diplomatic envoys. It also laid foundation for the future international tournament.     Diplomatic Envoys with the Folk Artist After the forum, the experts and diplomatic envoys paid visits to Nanjing Museum, Brocade Museum, Nanjing Massacre Museum and other historical relics to better appreciate its unique and profound culture and history. 2016 Nanjing Expo also includes many other activities like  Forum of Media Cooperation, “Charm of Nanjing” Art Exhibition, “Light of Silk” Jewellery Exhibition, Silk-road Photography Exhibition and so on. Nanjing Yunjin Brocade Fashion Show at the Opening Ceremony

On 27th October, Vice President Xie Yuan met with Pakistan National Management College (NMC) Delegation. The Delegation was led by Mr. Muhammad Ismail Qureshi, Rector of National School of Public Policy and composed of senior officials from central and local governments of Pakistan. It is NMC’s 41st study group received by our Association since 1974. Vice President Xie Yuan introduced the main tasks of the CPAFFC and its people-to-people exchanges with Pakistan. He indicated that China-India relations have withstood the test of  international vicissitudes as well as the test of domestic changes and have been moving forward constantly. The friendship between the two parts is deep-rooted in the hearts of their peoples. He hoped through this visit the two sides could initiate more collaborative projects and establish a more optimized long-term mechanism .    Rector Muhammad Ismail Qureshi said that he appreciated the efforts made by the CPAFFC in promoting bilateral exchanges and was willing to deepen our friendship by expanding the corporation. He also expressed his gratitude to the CPAFFC for nominating National Management College for the “Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence Friendship Award”. 

On October 27, CPAFFC Vice President Xie Yuan met with a delegation headed by Mr. Chairul Tanjung, Chairman of CT Corporation and former Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs for Indonesia. Madame Tanjung, H.E. Mr. Soegeng Rahardjo, Ambassador of Indonesia to China, were present at the meeting. Vice President Xie conveyed to Mr. Tanjung the warm regards from CPAFFC President Li Xiaolin and Vice President Lin Yi. He sang a high praise of Mr. Tanjung’s contributions in promoting China-Indonesia relations and extended congratulations on the launching of his biography in Chinese version. Mr. Xie also briefed Mr. Tuanjung of CPAFFC’s work in people-to-people exchanges, local government cooperation, and charity work for public interests.  He said the CPAFFC is ready to push forward the China-Indonesia comprehensive strategic partnership in collaboration with people from all circles of Indonesia. Mr. Tanjung said that Indonesia and China enjoy smooth development of political and economic relations as well as great investment potential.  The two countries are both in a critical period of transformation and shall strengthen coordination and encourage mutual learning from each other. The government of Indonesia highly values the people-to-people exchanges, which is the basis for maintaining friendship bilateral relations. CPAFFC has played a significant role in deepening the friendship between our peoples. CT Corporation will actively probe into more cooperation with CPAFFC in various fields. During the visit, Mr. Tanjung will also visit Peking University and have dialogue with its students.

Vice president Song Jingwu met with Mr. Henk Kool, newly elected president of Dutch China Friendship Association (VNC) on October 26th and held the welcome lunch for the delegation.  Song congratulated Mr. Kool on his presidency, and expected the two associations could further expand the areas of cooperation with the emphasis on the practical cooperation between Dutch and Chinese local governments. Mr. Kool said VNC was planning to co-host Dutch China Friendship Cities Conference with CPAFFC in the Netherlands on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of VNC in 2017. The conference would serve as a a great chance to further promote the in-depth cultural and financial cooperation between Dutch and Chinese local governments. The two sides also discussed over the preparation of the 5th Sino European Agriculture Seminar, which was co-launched by the two associations and successfully held in China for four times.

An opening ceremony of a large-scale Chinese relics touring exhibition of Chinese Characters:A Legacy and Marvel Perfected Over Three Millennia was held in Tokyo Fuji Art Museum on October 18. Mr. Cheng Yonghua, Ambassador of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Japan, Mr. Hu Sishe, Vice President of Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), Mr. Wang Jun, Director-General of Art Exhibitions China (AEC), Mr. HARADA MINORU, Honorary Curator of Tokyo Fuji Art Museum (TFAM), Mr. KUROI SENJI, President of Japan-China Cultural Exchange Ass (JCCEA), Mr. TAKEDA YOSHIAKI, Director of the Mainichi Newspapers, and envoys from 16 countries in Japan, personages from cultural sector, friendly personages from China and Japan, and Chinese characters amateurs, attended the opening ceremony. The exhibition of Chinese Characters:A Legacy and Marvel Perfected Over Three Millennia was commonly and thoughtfully arranged by China Friendship International Art Exchange Association (CFIAEA) and Japan KOUZAN Fine-Arts Company (JKFAC). It took them three years to organize the exhibition. The exhibition held in Tokyo was co-hosted by CPAFFC, AEC, TFAM, JCCEA and Mainichi Newspapers. It will be made a touring exhibition in five places in Japan from October 18th, 2016 to September 14th, 2017, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Niigata, Gunma, Miyagi. The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Japan, State Administration of Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and other organizations worked as the backup units for the exhibition this time. 110 pieces of exhibits from 17 relics and museum units of 6 provinces and cities in China were displayed this time. Among the 110 items, national-level cultural relics took near 20 percent. The exhibits were not only selected from 11 museums in Shaanxi Province and Henan Province, the original places of Chinese civilization, and from different times and categories which reflect the origin of Chinese characters, such as Oracle Bone script , Bronze, Lettering on Soldier-and-horse Funerary Statues, Inscription Rubbings from Qin and Han Dynasty to Tang Dynasty, but also selected from precious relics, such as Liye Bamboo Slips in Qin Dynasty, The Bamboo Slips and Silk Books of Mawangdui Han Tomb in Changsha, Wang Ziwu Copper Tripod in Spring and Autumn period, SEISHINNSEI Stone Epitaph in Tang Dynasty, Wu Zetian Gold Jane, E Junqi Letter as well as from famous celebrities and masterpieces in the past dynasties in Palace Museum, Liaoning Provincial Museum, An Hui Museum, which are famous for collecting calligraphy and paintings, and four treasures. Ambassador Cheng Yonghua said in his speech at the opening ceremony that, the Chinese characters are one of the oldest script  in the world, which witnesses the origin of Chinese civilization, records the changes of Chinese history and also promotes the cultural exchanges between China and Foreign countries. The Chinese characters inherited and used till now are not only a symbol of language communication, but also a bond of national culture among China, Japan and East Asian culture circle. They also develop into a kind of vision art with deep connotation. They are popular with Chinese and Japanese people. Ambassador Cheng hoped that the exhibition would be another “golden bridge” between China and Japan friendship. The two countries should take this as an opportunity to further strengthening the mutual understanding and friendship, continuously developing friendly exchanges and pragmatic cooperation in various fields and commonly improving the Sino-Japanese relations. CPAFFC Vice President Hu Sishe expressed in his speech that, Chinese characters with sound, shape and meaning in one word bear the development of five thousand years of Chinese culture and have the most rigorous structure in the character system in the world. They are also common cultural foundation for the East Asian countries. The frequency and proportion of use of Chinese characters in Japan is extremely high, and Japan also created many new vocabularies for Chinese characters in contemporary times. The history of the exchanges between the two countries would have been impossible to develop without Chinese characters. He hoped that China and Japan could further explore the rich significance of Chinese characters through the exhibition so as to make the history of the exchanges more colorful.  On behalf of the Japanese organizer of the exhibition, TFAM Honorary Curator HARADA MINORU delivered a speech. He reviewed the exhibitions held by FAM before, such as, the exhibition of Dunhuang, the exhibition of Palace Museum and the exhibition of the Great Three Kingdoms, which stirred up wide concern among Japanese people. This time the exhibition displayed several precious history relics, such as, from Oracle Bone script  and Bronze, the carrier forms representing the origin of Chinese character, to Soldier-and-horse Funerary Statues in Qin Dynasty after the unification of Chinese character. He hoped that the two countries could continue to inherit the spirit of the elder generations, Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai and Mr. Ikeda Daisaku, who had been engaging in promoting the friendship between China and Japan, and to carry forward the cultural exchanges of the two countries through the exhibition.  AEC Director-General Wang Jun stressed in his speech that, the themes of the exhibition are to carry forward the culture of Chinese characters, research the historical progress of the development of Chinese characters and explore the value of Chinese characters in world culture. He said that this exhibition was the first time to systematically display the relics in Japan about Chinese characters. He believed that more Japanese people could learn about historical connotation of Chinese characters, experience the artistic charm and the miraculous wisdom contained in Chinese characters through the exhibition. The exhibition was popular with the Japanese ordinary people. 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