On May 31st, Mr Song Jingwu, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met with, the President of Amphictyony of Ancient Greek Cities, the Mayor of Marathon, Greece. Vice President Song and Mayor Psinakis reached consensus on holding ‘China - Ancient Greek Cities Forum’ in this November during the ‘Athens Authentic Marathon’ . On behalf of the Marathon Foundation, Mr. Psinakis presented the ‘Medal of Marathon Ambassador to Vice President Song. Mr. Euthumios Athanasiadis, Press Counsellor of Embassy of Greece, Mr. Shen Xin, Deputy Director General of the Department of European Affairs of CPAFFC, attended the meeting. 

On May 30th, Mme. Gu Xiulian, President of China-ASEAN Association(CAA) met H.R.H.Princess Masna, Ambassador-at-Large of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Brunei. President Gu welcomed Masna for her 10th visit to China and sang a high praise to Princess’s contribution to the development of bilateral relations and people-to-people friendship. President Gu said that China and Brunei are friendly neighbors and the bilateral ties set a good example for countries with different social systems to treat each other equally, conduct mutually-beneficial and win-win cooperation and coexist in harmony. On the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the China-Brunei diplomatic ties, the Chinese side is willing to deepen the strategic cooperative relationship, strengthen the cooperation in each fields and promote the people-to-people exchanges. Princess Masna thanked President Gu for sparing the time out of her busy schedule for the meeting and expressed that Brunei is willing to take the 25 anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations as a good opportunity to promote the further development of the relationship as well as the cooperation in the fields of economic and trade, social and cultural affairs. Brunei appreciates the government-dispatched Chinese volunteers to Brunei on Chinese language, medical and business, and look forward to more cooperation regarding civil servant, finance and agriculture. Mr.Liu Xinsheng, Vice President of China-Brunei Association and the first Chinese Ambassador to Brunei, Mr. Min Yongnian, former Chinese Ambassador to Brunei and H.E.Magdelene Teo, Ambassador of Brunei to China were present during the meeting.

On May 30th, Deputy Director General Zhang Ruoning of the European and Asian Department of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met with Iain Davie, Programme Leader of Edinburgh Napier University of UK and his delegation, together with First Secretary John Somers and staff from the Scottish Affairs Office of the British Embassy in Beijing. Deputy Director General Zhang extended her welcome to the delegation and her congratulations on their brilliant performance at the “China-UK in Drama”—China-UK Youth Drama Exchange Project. She introduced CPAFFC's work in people-to-people diplomacy, local governments cooperation and charity, and exchanged ideas with the delegation on furthering drama exchange and cooperation between China and the UK. Mr Davie thanked the CPAFFC for the considerate arrangements it provided. He said that he has gained a deeper understanding of the Chinese drama and culture through this exchange, and stands ready to carry out more cooperation with the CPAFFC.

On May 28th, the “China-UK in Drama”—China-UK Youth Drama Exchange Project was held in the auditorium of Beijing Foreign Studies University. Hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), and Edinburgh Napier University of UK (Napier), this Project was put forward after Chinese President Xi’s state visit to the UK when he proposed to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the passing of William Shakespeare and the Chinese playwright Tang Xianzu. Around 1,000 people watched the performance, among which are Vice President of the CPAFFC Song Jingwu, Deputy Party Secretary of BFSU Zhao Yu, Vice President of BFSU Jia Wenjian, Minister Counsellor of the British Embassy in China Tim Losty, Counsellor Nick Low, Professor of Communication University of China Zhang Jun, Artist of Beijing People's Art Theatre Li Bin and Yang Tiezhu, and teachers and students from Napier of UK who visited China for this project together with students from 13 Universities in Beijing. The 6 classical or original drama pieces that reflected the two countries cultures were played by students from China and the UK, which were indeed a feast for the eyes. A Midsommer Nights Dreame brought by teachers and students of BFSU gave the audience a glimpse of the Romanticism in Shakespearean drama; the original drama Promise of Loyalty showed the Chinese young students’ understanding and pursuit of honouring commitments; another original play, Crook and Isabel’s Choice, was based on the life story of David Crook and his wife, Isabel Crook, two of the first group of foreign teachers to work in China, and reviewed the glorious deeds made by the British friends in China to promote English teaching; The Merchant of Venice and Measure for Measure played by students from School of Arts and Creative Industries of Napier presented the original flavor of Shakespearean classics to the audience; and their English version of a famous Chinese drama Thunderstorm reflected the British young people’s understanding and appreciation of the Chinese drama, culture and art. Vice President Song Jingwu of the CPAFFC said in his speech that mutual understanding and friendship between youths serve as the foundation of the culture exchanges and mutual reflection between China and abroad, and hoped the teachers and students made good use of the “China-UK in Drama” —China-UK Youth Drama Exchange Project as the bridge of art for the people-to-people exchange between the youths of the two countries. Vice President Jia Wenjian of BFSU commented in his speech that China-UK in Drama is a platform for youngsters of the two countries to demonstrate their vitality and creativity and to better their cultural literature and artistic taste. He is convinced that the Chinese and British youngsters will deepen their understanding of drama, and the two cultures can develop through constant sharing and exchange. Students from both countries reflected that by communicating and performing with each other on the same stage, they have improved their language and acting skills, and more importantly, gained a deeper understanding of and passion for each other’s culture. This event has been reported by mainstream media including Xinhuanet and People’s Daily Online.

The Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) held a banquet in Beijing to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Suriname on May 27, 2016. Mr. Chen Yuan, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Mr. Wang Chao, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Xie Yuan, Vice President of the CPAFFC, Mr. Lloyd Pinas, Ambassador of the Embassy of Suriname in China etc.attended the banquet. Vice President Xie Yuan said in his speech that, since the establishment of the diplomatic relations, the development of the bilateral relations have been made achievements under the joint efforts. Suriname is one of the South American countries where many overseas Chinese live. The Chinese culture has become an important part of Suriname multi-culture and the friendship have been deeply rooted in the heart of the two countries’ people. Ambassador Lloyd Pinas quoted the statement by President Desire Bouterse and spoke highly of the bilateral relations. Ambassador Lloyd Pinas thanked the Chinese government for its help in Suriname development. He also said that the  launch of the China –CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum would further promote the exchanges and cooperation in various fields for the both sides.

On May 25th, Director General Zhang Heqiang of American and Oceanian Affairs Department attended the welcome reception for President of Drake university Earl F. Martin and Drake Chinese alumni hosted by U.S. Ambassador Max Baucus and his wife Melodee Hanes who is Drake Law alumnae, at the Ambassador’s residence. Director General Zhang expressed appreciation to Ambassador Baucus for his support to the CPAFFC’s engagement in enhancing China-U.S.sub-national cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.  Ambassador Baucus highly values the important role CPAFFC has played in promoting China- U.S.friendship. He asked DG Zhang to convey his sincere greetings to Madam Li Xiaolin.   The CPAFFC sent one staff member to study at Drake University from January to March this year.

Welcome Reception in Honor of His Excellency Mr. Pranab Mukherjee President of India jointly hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Embassy of India to China was held in Beijing on 25th of May. Chinese Vice President Mr. Li Yuanchao, former Vice Chairman of National People’s Congress Standing Committee & President of China India Friendship Association Mr. Jiang Zhenghua, former State Councilor Mr. Dai Bingguo, President of Development Research Centor of the State Council Mr. Li Wei as well as 200 personages from various circles attended the receoption. Mme. Li Xiaolin, President of the CPAFFC presided over the reception.  In his speech Vice President Mr. Li Yuanchao warmly welcomed Mr. Mukherjee to visit China.He said that linked by rivers and mountains, the friendly exchanges between China and India could be traced far back in histroy. The acient Silk Road witnessed the exchanges of mutual learning between our two cultures. Recently, cooperations between our two countries had been in fast track and was still growing fast. China Heat and India Heat had become the new trend of friendly exchanges and mutual learning. Chinese government attached great importance to China-India relationship and was ready to open up a new chapter of China-India relationship with a closer development partnership as its core.  President Mr. Mukherjee also made a speech in the reception. He thanked Chinese Vice President Mr. Li Yuanchao for attending the receoption and thanked the CPAFFC for holding the reception in his honor. He expressed deep apprecation for the valuable contribution of the CPAFFC in fostering regular exchanges between our two peoples for over six decades. He said, China-India relationship was the priority among priorities, and India would like to work with China to enhance our mutual understanding, enrich our bilateral discourse and conduct all-round cooperation with the spirit of friendship and equality.  Before the reception, Chinese Vice President Mr. Li Yuanchao had a short meeting with Indian President Mr. Mukherjee, President Li Xiaolin, Vice Foreign Minsiter Mr. Liu Zhenmin, Assistant Foreign Minsiter Mr. Kong Xuanyou and CPAFFC Vice President Lin Yi attended the meeting. 

On May 23rd, Vice president of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) Mrs. Lin Yi met with Mr. Mustapha Amhal，the President of the Federation of Moroccan Chambers of Commerce Industry and Service (FMCCIS). Vice President Mrs. Lin Yi briefed to Mr. Amhal about the people-to-people friendship exchanges carried out between the CPAFFC and Morocco and other Arab countries, and expressed willingness to cooperate with Morocco side to further promote the economic, trade and cultural exchanges. Mr. Amhal said that the recent visit of Moroccan King Mohamed VI to China has put forward the bilateral relations to a new stage of development. The FMCCIS is willing to cooperate with the CPACC, through holding culture week or other activities to publicize each others’ products and culture, promote establishment of more friendship cities as well as exchange of visits between young entrepreneurs from both countries, so as to enhance mutual understanding and pragmatic cooperation. 

On May 23rd, Mr Song Jingwu, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met with Janice Dickson, President of Scotland-China Association (SCA). Vice President Song extended congratulations on its upcoming 50th anniversary celebration. He briefed Dickson on the recent work carried out by the CPAFFC related to the UK，and thanked SCA for its efforts in enhancing friendship and understanding between the Chinese and British People, and between the Chinese and Scottish people in particular, over the past 50 years since its establishment. On behalf of the CPAFFC, Song presented a crystal plate to Dickson to commemorate SCA’s 50th anniversary. Dickson thanked the CPAFFC for supporting its work. She briefly introduced SCA’s work in facilitating exchanges among Chinese and British young people. Deputy Director General of the European and Asian Department Ms Zhang Ruoning attended the meeting.

Mr. Song Jingwu, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with Mr. MOTOYUKI SAKAI, Executive Officer of SUMITOMO CHEMICAL and New Chairman of the Board of SUMITOMO CHEMICAL(CHINA) Co., Ltd. in Beijing on May 19. Vice President Song congratulated MOTOYUKI SAKAI on taking his office and said that SUMITOMO CHEMICAL had been engaging in promoting the economic and trade cooperation between China and Japan for many years. Mr. YONEKURA HIROMASA also made outstanding contributions to promoting the economic cooperation and the friendly cause of the two countries when he was the President of SUMITOMO CHEMICAL, especially when he worked as the President of the Keidanren Japan Business Federation. Vice President Song hoped that SUMITOMO CHEMICAL could achieve better development in China and would play a key role in the friendly cause of the two countries in the future. Chairman MOTOYUKI SAKAI said SUMITOMO CHEMICAL paid high attention to the pragmatic cooperation with China and would further expand the business in China in the future. He would like to make jointly efforts with CPAFFC and other relevant Chinese organizations on developing the economic cooperation and the friendly relationship between China and Japan. Mr. Yuan Mindao, Director General of the Department of Japanese Affairs of CPAFFC, Mrs. Zhu Dan, Deputy Director General of the Department of Japanese Affairs of CPAFFC, attended the meeting.