Vice President Song Jingwu attended the opening ceremony of The Fourth International Conference on Poverty Reduction and Child Development and hosted one session of the conference on Oct. 21.   The Fourth International Conference on Poverty Reduction and Child Development was co-hosted by China Development Research Foundation, Asia-Pacific Regional Network for Early Childhood and “Every Woman Every Child” China Partnership Network. The theme of this conference was “A Bright Start for Every Child”. Vice Premier Liu Yandong attended the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech. Former Minister of Development Research Center of the State Council Wang Mengkui, Deputy Secretary General of the State Council Jiang Xiaojuan, Vice Minister of Ministry of Education Lu Xin, Vice Minister of National Health and Family Planning Commission Wang Guoqiang, Vice Minister of Development Research Center of the State Council Zhang Laiming, Vice Chairperson of All-China Women’s Federation Jiao Yang, Vice Governor of Guizhou Province Chen Mingming and Ministers from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Mongolia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Kingdom of Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Maldives, Vietnam, the United States, Brazil, Nepal, Burma and representatives from UNICEF and Asia-Pacific Regional Network for Early Childhood attended the meeting. Vice President Song Jingwu attended the opening ceremony and hosted the second session of the first unit. Guests from different countries discussed on the topic of “Development Commitment and Action to end poverty childhood by 2030”. Experiences and practices had been exchanged to promote the realization of these goals.

   On Oct. 20th, Mr. Xie Yuan, Vice President of CPAFFC met with Mr. Eduardo Sangermano, Member of Leadership Lineup of Civil Association for Cooperation between Argentina and China, and CEO of Group San Cristobal and his wife. Mr. Xie Yuan extended his warm welcome to Mr. Eduardo Sangermano for his first visit to China and to CPAFFC’s Compound. He pointed out that Argentina is one of the important Latin American countries. CPAFFC gives high value to the cooperative relations with Argentinean side. It is great willingness for CPAFFC to act as an intermediate for the deeper understanding and communication between enterprises from both sides, as well as hold economical and financial or cultural forum on proper opportunity. Group San Cristobal has a history of more than 70 years, being one of the largest and strongest insurance company in Argentina. Mr. Eduardo Sangermano extended his gratitude for CPAFFC’s invitation. He said that both Argentinean Government and commercial circle give high attention to our bilateral relations. He will continue to support the work of Civil Association for Cooperation between Argentina and China. Moreover, he is willing to give overall support for CPAFFC’s activities in Argentina.

On Oct. 19th, the reception marking the 55th Anniversary of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and Cuba was jointly held by CPAFFC, China-Cuba Friendship Association, China Photographers Association and Cuba Embassy to China in Beijing. Mr. Bai Lichen, President of China- Cuba Friendship Association, Mr. Xie Yuan, Vice President of CPAFFC and China-Cuba Friendship Association, Mr. Qian Hongshan, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and H.E. Mr. Alberto J. Blanco Silva, Cuban Ambassador to China,  attended the reception.      In his remarks, Mr. Xie Yuan pointed out that Cuba is the first Latin American Country to establish Diplomatic Relations with China. Despite the distance between the two countries, people’s friendship has enjoyed a long history. Over the past half a century, peoples’ friendship has been deeply rooted among the two peoples. Both sides have laid firm basis on multiple cooperation and the economical and commercial relations enjoyed steady development. Last July, President Xi Jinping has realized a state visit to Cuba, which pointed out the way of the development of bilateral relations on the new period. The China-Cuba relations enjoy remarkable achievement on mutual and beneficial cooperation and maturity which shows a great vitality. H.E. Mr. Alberto J. Blanco Silva, Cuban Ambassador to China reviewed the friendly communication between the two peoples, especially the deep friendship between the leaders from both sides since the establishment of diplomatic relations. He spoke highly of the close communication between CPAFFC and Cuba Friendship Association with Foreign Countries   Representatives from International Liaison Department of the Central Committee of the CPC, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Culture, members of China- Cuba Friendship Association, as well as diplomats of Cuban Embassy to China and other more than 100 guests were present at the reception. China Photographers Association has held the exhibition called Cuba in Chinese Eyes on the occasion. Pupils from China-Cuba Friendship Primary School and Cuban musicians presented fascinating shows on the reception.

On Oct. 19, Mr. Tang Jiaxuan, President of China-Japan Friendship Association, conferred the title of China-Japan Friendship Ambassador upon Mr. Genjirō Kaneko, Japanese Senator and former Governor of Nagasaki, in Beijing. Mr. Song Jinwu, Vice President of CPAFFC, Ms. Wang Xiuyun, Vice President of China-Japan Friendship Association, Mr. Yang Yu, Counselor of Chinese Foreign Ministry Asian Affairs, Mr. Teng Anjun, former Consul General of the Chinese Consulate-General in Nagasaki, Mr. Li Wenliang, former Consul General of the Chinese Consulate-General in Nagasaki, Mr. Yamamoto Kyoji, Minster of Embassy of Japan in China, and representatives of Nagasaki attended the activity.    Mr. Tang Jiaxuan said, during being the governor of Nagasaki, Mr. Genjirō Kaneko was actively engaged in China-Japan friendship cause and enhanced Nagasaki’s friendly exchanges and practical cooperation with provinces and cities in China, making great effort and contribution to strengthening friendship between Chinese and Japanese people, and promoting healthy and stable development of China-Japan relations. It is expected that Mr. Genjirō Kaneko can continuously care and support the China-Japan friendly cause, making greater and innovative contribution to the local-level communication between the two countries, furthering the development of bilateral relations. Mr. Genjirō Kaneko thanked China-Japan Friendship Association for conferring such honorable title upon him, and looked back his contacting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and China-Japan Friendship Association’s President Tang Jiaxuan, and his experience of visiting China. He said that, this honor not only belongs to himself, but also to all the Nagasaki citizens who make extensive long-term exchanges with China. In the future, he will act as a true “ China-Japan Friendship Ambassador”,  sparing no effort in enhancing the communication between Nagasaki and China.  Mr.Genjirō Kaneko had been consecutively selected as governor of Nagasaki for three times since 1998. He left his post in 2010; in the same year, he was selected as a Senator of Japan. During in charge of Nagasaki, he and his delegation visited China for 19 times, actively promoting the friendly exchanges and cooperation between Nagasaki and Fujian; especially when 1998 Yangtze River Basin catastrophic floods and 2008 Wenchuan earthquake occurred, he personally solicit benefactions for earthquake victims on street in Nagasaki, giving the victims valuable spiritual and material support.

On October 19, H.E. Mr. Abdu’ahat Abdurixit, President of the Chinese-African People’s Friendship Association (CAPFA) met with H.E. Dr. Sam Nujoma, Founding President of Namibia. Abdu’ahat said that Chinese and Namibian people enjoy profound traditional friendship. The two countries can be called all-weather friends sharing weal and woe. China attaches great importance to China-Namibia relations and is ready to make joint efforts with Namibia to consolidate and deepen the traditional friendship between the two countries. The CAPFA will continue its efforts to further promote the mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, and consolidate the friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Nujoma thanked China for its substantial assistance in Namibia’s struggle for national liberation and independence. He said that Namibia hopes to further strengthen coordination with China in international affairs, and continue to strive for national peace, stability and economic development.

On 19th October, Vice President Song Jingwu met with Mr. Paul Kavanagh, Irish Ambassador to China. The two sides exchanged views on further implementing the Memorandum of Understanding on a Framework for Jointly Enhancing People-to-People Exchange and Cooperation Between the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland. Song briefed Ambassador on the developments in the cooperation which will be carried out by the CPAFFC with the Irish Embassy. He said that the CPAFFC will continue to work closely with the Embassy to jointly promote exchanges and cooperation in youth, agriculture, environmental protection, and local governments between the two countries. Ambassador thanked Song and the CPAFFC for the efforts in promoting bilateral cooperation. He said that Ireland attaches great importance to exchange and cooperation with China, and expressed his commitment to work with the CPAFFC to make the local, people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries a great success.

The Imperial Springs International Forum, cohosted by Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and Australia China Friendship and Exchange Association is successfully convened at Imperials Springs, Guangdong Province from 16th to 17th, October, 2015. Mr. Hu Chunhua, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Party Secretary of Guangdong Province and Dr. Ma Peihua, Vice Chairman of Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference attended and addressed the Forum. More than 100 representatives from the circle of politics, expertise, business and media, including 7 former heads of states and governments and political leaders attended the Forum. Major guests are Madam Li Xiaolin, President of CPAFFC, Mr. He Yafei, Vice Minister of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council, Madam Wen Lanzi, Vice Chairwoman of Guangdong People’s Political Consultative Conference, Mr. Xie Yuan, Vice President of CPAFFC, Mr. Kevin Rudd, Former Prime Minister of Australia, Mr. Felip Calderoni, Former President of Mexico, Mr. George A. Papandereou, Former Prime Minister of Greece, Mr. Romano Prodi, Former Prime Minister of Sweden, Mr. Nils Daniel Carl Bildt, Former Prime Minister of Sweden, Mr. Marty M.Natalegawa, Former Foreign Minister of Indonesia, Mr. Terje Rod-Larsen, President of International Peace Institute.    Mr. Hu Chunhua, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Party Secretary of Guangdong Province addressing the Imperial Springs International Forum In his remarks, Mr. Hu Chunhua, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Party Secretary of Guangdong Province pointed out that the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiatives, initiated by President Xi Jinping in 2013 inherited the nature of “peace, friendship, openness, inclusive” of the Silk Road at ancient times. and the “Road and Initiatives” aims at promoting exchanges and cooperations among the countries related. As one of the most important original place for ancient Silk Road, Guangdong Province will grasp opportunity to strengthen exchanges in the fields of economy, trading and people-to-people exchanges and thus achieving win-win cooperation.   Dr. Ma Peihua, Vice Chairman of Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference attending and addressed the Imperial Springs International Forum In his remarks, Dr.Ma Peihua, Vice Chairman of Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference illustrated the historical backgrounds and on-going requirements for the “Road and Initiatives” proposed by President Xi Jinping. He pointed out that China welcomed participation from the countries related in the spirit of mutual trust, equality, mutual benefit, mutual learning and win-win cooperation. Madam Li Xiaolin, President of CPAFFC attending and addressing the Imperial Springs International Forum   Mr.Kevin Rudd, Former Prime Minister of Australia attending and addressing the Imperial Springs International Forum In her speech, Madam Li Xiaolin stressed that peace and development still remains the them of current times and people’s friendship will always serve as the fundamental force to promote international peace and development and the pre-requisite to achieve win-win cooperation. Madam Li expressed that CPAFFC will as always work to enhance people’s friendship among all countries and contribute to safeguard world peace and common development. Mr. Xie Yuan, Vice President of CPAFFC attending the “Cooperation and Friendship Between Global Leaders” Tree-Planting Ceremony Participants for the Forum discussed upon topics such as “Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiatives--New Opportunity and New Challenge” and analyzed China’s role in shaping international order and promoting global economy. They also raised constructive suggestions for the status-quo of international security and challenges in the fields of economy. 

On Oct.16, Mr.Ji Bingxuan, the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, met with Seiji Maehara,the Former Foreign Minister of Japan and the President of Ryouunkai Group of The Democratic Party of Japan，and his delegation of congressman. They exchanged opinions on Sino-Japanese relations and other issues concerned by both sides. Mr. Song Jingwu, Vice President of CPAFFC attended meeting.  The delegation visited China at the invitation of CPAFFC.

  On 16th of October, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) together with Bangladeshi Embassy successfully held the reception celebrating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh in Beijing.Madam Shen Yueyue, Vice- Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Mr. Liu Zhenmin, Vice Foreign Minister and Madam Lin Yi, Vice President of the CPAFFC from Chinese side together with Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Speaker of Bangladesh Parliament and H.E. Mr. M. Fazlul Karim, Ambassador of Bangladesh to China from Bangladeshi side as well as 100 odds people were present at the reception. In her remarks, Vice President Lin Yi pointed out that both as developing countries with huge population, China and Bangladesh are shouldering the common historical responsibility of national prosperity, devoting to the great dream of national rejuvenation and good vision of peoples’ happiness. The CPAFFC would like to join hands with all friends present here, take the occasion of the 40th anniversary as an opportunity to expand exchanges in all fields, promote mutual understanding and friendship, to construct a closer comprehensive partnership of cooperation, and strive for the realization of Chinese Dream and the dream of Golden Bengal.   In her speech, Dr. Shirin Chaudhury, Speaker of Bangladesh Parliament expressed that in this era of globalization, the well-being of our two peoples is obdurately intertwined. We want to strive together with friends from China to bring happiness and prosperity for our peoples. and on this happy occasion of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between Bangladesh and China, I reiterate Bangladesh’s firm commitment to strengthened and deepen Bangladesh-China friendship in the days ahead.  Madam Shen Yueyue, Vice- Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Speaker of Bangladesh Parliament also unveiled the Commemorative Envelop for the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh.

From October 13th to 15th Mrs. Hu Chunmei, Associated Counsel of the Department of European and Asian Affairs attended the preparatory working conference of The Silk Road International Cultural Expo in Dunhuang and delivered a speech entitled “Vision and Actions on cultural exchanges and economic cooperation between China and the countries along the Silk Road” The Expo, hosted by the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the CPC, the Ministry of Culture, People's Government of Gansu Province and co-organized by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, is a national advanced forum and platform with culture as its theme in our country. The first Expo will be held in 2016.