On February 12, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with Farhod Arziev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to China, at the CPAFFC. The two sides engaged in an in-depth discussion on China-Uzbekistan relations, friendly people-to-people exchanges, and other areas of mutual interest.Yang noted that, 2024 has been an extraordinary year for China-Uzbekistan relations. Under the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, bilateral cooperation has achieved fruitful results. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's successful state visit to China marked a milestone in elevating bilateral relations to an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for the new era. The CPAFFC places great importance on its cooperation with Uzbekistan and looks forward to further deepening cooperation with the Embassy of Uzbekistan in China and other Uzbek partners in fields such as subnational cooperation, cultural exchanges, interaction between lawmakers, and youth visits.Farhod Arziev expressed his high regard for the CPAFFC's positive contributions to strengthening the friendship between the two peoples. He emphasized that people-to-people exchanges and subnational cooperation are vital components of the bilateral relationship. Uzbekistan considers its cooperation with China as a key priority in its foreign relations. The Embassy of Uzbekistan in China is committed to working closely with the CPAFFC to promote people-to-people friendship and further enrich the cooperative relationship between the two countries.Hao Zhongwei, Director-General of the CPAFFC Department of European and Asian Affairs, also attended the meeting.

On February 12, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with Maja Stefanović, Ambassador of Serbia to China, at the CPAFFC. The two sides held an in-depth discussion on China-Serbia relations, people-to-people exchanges, and cooperation between the two countries.Yang emphasized that China and Serbia are steadfast friends who have supported each other through both good times and challenges. He noted that last May, President Xi Jinping paid a successful state visit to Serbia, marking a new chapter in China-Serbia relations and advancing the goal of building a community with a shared future in the new era. Yang highlighted that people-to-people exchanges form an essential part of the enduring friendship between the two countries. The CPAFFC is committed to collaborating with Serbia to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, with a focus on strengthening and expanding China-Serbia friendship. This includes advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, deepening cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC), and continuously enriching the China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era at the people-to-people level.Ambassador Stefanović remarked that Serbia-China relations has entered a new historic phase characterized by all-round, high-standard development. She expressed pride in Serbia being the first European country to sign a cooperation agreement with China on building a community with a shared future. Serbia values its strong friendship with China and is eager to deepen exchanges and cooperation across various sectors. She reaffirmed Serbia's commitment to promoting Belt and Road cooperation, maintaining its leadership role within the China-CEEC cooperation framework, and making tangible progress in advancing the building of a Serbia-China community with a shared future in the new era.Hao Zhongwei, Director-General of the CPAFFC Department of European and Asian Affairs, also attended the meeting.

On January 25, with the Spring Festival of the Year of the Snake approaching, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) hosted the China-Japan Friendship Concert to Welcome the Spring Festival in Beijing. Yang Wanming, President of the CPAFFC; Kanasugi Kenji, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the People's Republic of China; and Li Feng, Founder of the Beijing Hefeng Art Foundation, a partner for the concert, attended the event and delivered speeches. Nearly 140 people were present, including Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the CPAFFC; Jiao Yutong, Vice President of the Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (BPAFFC); Takeyasu Masaru, Chairperson of the Board at the Kao (China) Holding Co., Ltd.; Kurata Katsukou, Deputy Head of the Japanese Association in Beijing; and representatives from relevant Chinese departments, Japanese enterprises and organizations in China, as well as media outlets from both countries.In his speech, Yang Wanming extended New Year greetings to friends from all sectors in China and Japan, noting that bilateral relations are at a crucial stage of improvement and development. Following the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru in Lima last November, both leaders reached an important consensus on advancing the China-Japan strategic relationship of mutual benefit and building a constructive and stable relationship that aligns with the needs of the new era. This has provided clear direction for the future of the bilateral relations. Yang expressed that the CPAFFC is ready to collaborate with people from all sectors in Japan, guided by the important common understandings of the two leaders, to expand exchanges and cooperation in culture, art, and youth affairs, thereby writing a new chapter for China-Japan people-to-people friendship in the new era. Yang also expressed hope that the concert would serve as a beautiful new beginning for China-Japan friendly exchanges, bringing fresh energy to the cause of China-Japan friendship.Kanasugi Kenji noted that exchanges between Japan and China have been gradually recovering since last year. Following the summit between the two top leaders in Lima last November, there has been increased dialogue and engagement at all levels. Notably, with the joint efforts of the CPAFFC and relevant organizations, youth exchanges between Chinese and Japanese young people have flourished. Kanasugi expressed a strong desire to work closely with all sectors in both countries to make further progress in Japan-China relations in the year ahead.Li Feng shared that, with the help of the CPAFFC, the China Hefeng art exchange delegation, consisting of 100 members focused on environmental protection and disaster prevention, visited Japan last November, conducting friendly exchanges with their Japanese peers and forging lasting friendships. He expressed hope that the seeds of China-Japan friendship would take root in the hearts of the youth from both countries, bloom, and bear fruit.At the concert, Cheng Fangyuan, a renowned contemporary Chinese singer; Zhao Yunpeng, Principal Cellist of the China Philharmonic Orchestra; Chen Junhui, winner of the Top Ten Outstanding Young Pianists of China title at the second Huaxia Qinying, an event aimed at selecting outstanding young professional pianists; He Shucong, a well-known Chinese violinist; and the children of the Hebei Xiong'an Hefeng Children's Choir affectionately performed classic Chinese and Japanese pieces, presenting an unforgettable music feast.

On January 24, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), in collaboration with the Vietnamese Embassy too China, held a reception in Beijing to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Vietnam. Li Hongzhong, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China, attended the event and delivered a speech.The reception was attended by approximately 300 representatives from both countries, including Yang Wanming, President of the CPAFFC; Hu Xiaoli, Deputy Secretary-General of the NPC Standing Committee; Sun Weidong, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs; Zhao Shitong, Assistant Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee; Huang Wentao, Director of the Military Political Work Research Institute under the Academy of Military Science; Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the CPAFFC; as well as key figures from Chinese ministries, commissions, universities, colleges, and other sectors. Also in attendance were Pham Thanh Binh, Vietnamese Ambassador to China, diplomats from the Vietnamese Embassy in China, and representatives from Vietnamese enterprises and students in China.Li Hongzhong stated that over the past 75 years, China-Vietnam relations have continued to strengthen. The Chinese side is committed to working with Vietnam to follow the strategic guidance of the top leaders of both countries and parties, preserve the traditional friendship, uphold the common missions, and jointly promote the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, which will better benefit the people of both nations.Yang Wanming expressed that the CPAFFC will fully leverage the unique role of people-to-people diplomacy in advancing state-to-state relations. The CPAFFC will work to strengthen people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, cultural exchanges, and youth friendship. It is committed to transforming the strategic direction set by the top leaders of both countries into concrete actions, making new contributions to building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future.Pham Thanh Binh emphasized that Vietnam would take the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to actively implement the agreements and consensus between the two countries, maintaining close high-level exchanges and deepening cooperation at all levels, across all sectors. Vietnam is committed to advancing the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Vietnam, ensuring steady progress towards building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples, and making positive contributions to peace, development and advancement for humanity. The reception also featured wonderful performances by Chinese and Vietnamese artists, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.

From January 19 to 21, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), led a delegation to Côte d'Ivoire at the invitation of the Assembly of of Regions and Districts of Côte d'Ivoire (ARDCI, or L'Assemblée des Régions et Districts de Côte d’Ivoire). During the visit, Yang met with Eugène Aka Aouélé, President of the Economic, Social, Environmental and Cultural Council (CESEC) of Cote d'Ivoire and President of the ARDCI, Koffi N’Guessan, Cote d'Ivoire's Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Technical Education, Vocational Training, and Apprenticeship, and Paulin Claude Danho, 1st Vice-Governor of the Autonomous District of Abidjan. The discussions focused on China-Côte d'Ivoire relations, people-to-people friendship, and subnational cooperation, resulting in the adoption of positive consensus on these issues. Wu Jie, Chinese Ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire, attended relevant events.Yang emphasized that China and Côte d'Ivoire are close friends and partners in development and revitalization. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1983, the two countries have treated each other as equals and offered mutual support. In recent years, under the guidance and efforts of Chinese President Xi Jinping and President of Côte d'Ivoire Alassane Ouattara, China and Côte d'Ivoire have witnessed increasingly closer relations marked by a positive development trajectory, enhanced political mutual trust, and greater convergence of interests. Côte d'Ivoire adheres to the one-China principle, which remains the political foundation for the smooth development of bilateral relations. In September last year, the two countries upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership. Yang pointed out that during the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), President Xi Jinping proposed ten key actions for advancing modernization with Africa, which laid out a roadmap for the future of China-Côte d'Ivoire and China-Africa relations. The CPAFFC is committed to working with Côte d’Ivoire to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state and the principles outlined at the summit. Yang emphasized the importance of promoting the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, deepening people-to-people, subnational, cultural and youth exchanges, thus enriching the strategic partnership of China-Côte d'Ivoire.The Côte d’Ivoire side expressed that since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Côte d'Ivoire and China have maintained sincere and friendly relations based on solidarity and mutual support. They expressed appreciation for China's valuable assistance in promoting the socio-economic development of Côte d'Ivoire and highly commended China’s achievements in modernization. The Ivorian side expressed hope to learn from China's development experience and enhance exchanges and cooperation in fields such as agriculture, science and technology, vocational education, youth affairs, and subnational entities. Côte d'Ivoire reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China principle, recognizing Taiwan as an inseparable part of China's territory and the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing all of China. Given the multiple global challenges, Côte d'Ivoire expressed its intention to deepen cooperation with China in regional and international affairs, working together to achieve common goals of peace and development through high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. Côte d'Ivoire also expressed its willingness to actively engage in the CPAFFC's mechanisms for promoting people-to-people friendship, subnational cooperation, and youth exchanges, thereby further enhancing bilateral ties.

From January 16 to 19, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), led a delegation to Tunisia at the invitation of the Tunisia-China Friendship Association (TCFA). During the visit, Yang met with Mohamed Ben Ayed, Secretary of State to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tunisia; Fethi Mejri, President of the National Federation of Tunisian Municipalities (FNCT); Rajeb, member of Tunisia's Assembly of the Representatives of the People; Dhaker Bargaoui, Governor of Kairouan; Oszlányi, Secretary-General of the Municipal Council of Sidi Bou Said; and Ghozala, Secretary-General of the Municipal Council of El Jem. Yang also held talks with Ezzeddine Jebali, President of the TCFA. The discussions focused on China-Tunisia friendship, people-to-people exchanges and subnational cooperation, resulting in a series of positive common understandings. Wan Li, Chinese Ambassador to Tunisia, attended relevant events.During the meeting, Yang stated that Tunisia is an important country in the Arab world, Africa, and the Mediterranean region. He emphasized that China and Tunisia are not only good friends but also good brothers. Last year, the two countries jointly celebrated the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Tunisian President Kais Saied and Prime Minister Kamel Maddouri both visited China, and China and Tunisia announced the establishment of a strategic partnership. These developments have opened new opportunities for advancing bilateral relations. Yang expressed that the CPAFFC is eager to work closely with Tunisian partners to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, actively promote the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, and continue to strengthen traditional friendship, deepen exchanges, and expand practical subnational cooperation. This, Yang said, would help elevate China-Tunisia relations to new heights and contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind.The Tunisian side acknowledged that Tunisia-China relations has strengthened over time. In light of the profound changes in the global geopolitical landscape, both countries should deepen their coordination and cooperation in regional and international affairs, which will serve the interests of both Tunisia and China and contribute to building a fairer, more just international order. Tunisia reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China principle and expressed admiration for China's fair stance, particularly on the Palestinian issue. Tunisia also pledged full support for and active participation in the mechanisms established by the CPAFFC for exchanges between China and Arab countries, people-to-people friendship with Africa, and cooperation among local governments and youth. This, they noted, would enhance mutual understanding and trust, providing new momentum for the growth of bilateral relations.

From January 13 to 15, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), led a delegation to Algeria at the invitation of the Algeria-China Friendship Association (ACFA). The delegation engaged with people from various sectors and held extensive discussions on China-Algeria friendship, people-to-people exchanges, and cooperation, reaching several positive agreements.During the visit, Yang Wanming met with Mansour, First Deputy Speaker of Algeria's People's National Assembly, Abdelkrim Benmbarek, Secretary-General of Algeria's National Liberation Front (FLN), Lounès Magramane, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Algeria, and Mohamed Charaf Eddine Boudiaf, Secretary General of Algeria's Ministry of the Interior, Local Authorities and Regional Planning. Yang also attended and delivered remarks at a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Algeria to promote the spirit of China-Algeria friendship. During the event, he held talks with Smail Debeche, member of the FLN Central Committee and President of the ACFA. They engaged in in-depth discussions on strengthening exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in culture, people-to-people exchanges, youth, and subnational entities. Dong Guangli, Chinese Ambassador to Algeria, also attended relevant events.Yang highlighted the longstanding friendship between China and Algeria. He recalled that China was the first non-Arab country to recognize Algeria after the establishment of its Provisional Government in September 1958. He also emphasized that the Chinese people will always remember the significant contribution that Algeria once made to the restoration of the People's Republic of China's lawful seat in the United Nations in 1971. Over the past 67 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the bilateral ties has developed steadily, with practical cooperation yielding fruitful outcomes, making it a model of cooperation among developing countries. In July 2023, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune made a successful state visit to China, during which President Xi Jinping held fruitful discussions that provided clear direction for the future development of China-Algeria relations. The CPAFFC is eager to collaborate with Algeria to implement the important consensus reached between the two heads of state, further enhancing people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, promoting traditional friendship between the two nations, and enriching the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Algeria.The Algerian side expressed admiration for China's tremendous achievements in economic and social development. In these turbulent times, with shared views and positions on international and regional issues, China and Algeria have always supported each other. China remains, and will continue to be, Algeria's important and trusted strategic partner. The Algerian side congratulated the CPAFFC on successfully hosting events marking its 70th anniversary and reaffirmed that the friendship between the two peoples forms the foundation of state-to-state relations. Algeria expressed its willingness to strengthen communication and cooperation with the CPAFFC, deepening cooperation across all fields to continuously consolidate and expand the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Algeria.

On January 10, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with a delegation headed by Vice Governor of Fujian Province Wang Jinfu at the CPAFFC. The two sides engaged in an in-depth discussion on jointly promoting exchanges between Chinese and foreign youth, enhancing the role of sister cities as platforms, and advancing pragmatic cooperation between local governments in China and abroad in areas such as high-tech industries, low-carbon economy, and national park development.Sun Xueqing, Secretary-General of the CPAFFC, and Li Lin, Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Fujian Province, also attended the meeting.

On January 7, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with Martin Hansen, Chief Representative for East Asia, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, at the CPAFFC. The two sides held an in-depth discussion on jointly promoting China-Germany subnational cooperation.Yang noted that over the past seventy years since its establishment, the CPAFFC has been dedicated to enhancing people-to-people exchanges between China and the rest of the world, promoting subnational cooperation, and fostering friendly exchanges in culture, youth affairs, and other sectors. It has established many platforms and mechanisms to facilitate pragmatic subnational cooperation between China and foreign countries. In October 2024, during a meeting with international guests attending the Events Marking the 70th Anniversary of the CPAFFC, President Xi Jinping emphasized that the Chinese government would continue to support the CPAFFC in playing its unique role in developing international friendship and promoting practical cooperation. The CPAFFC values its cooperation with Germany and is eager to collaborate with GIZ from a new starting point to further stimulate pragmatic cooperation between China and Germany at the subnational level, pooling insights and strength to advance China-Germany people-to-people friendship.Martin Hansen expressed deep appreciation for the CPAFFC's efforts in promoting people-to-people friendship and subnational cooperation between China and other countries. He highlighted that subnational cooperation plays a crucial role in the development of Germany-China relations. GIZ is dedicated to advancing pragmatic cooperation between the two countries in fields such as sustainable development, resilient cities, and carbon emission reduction. GIZ is eager to collaborate with the CPAFFC in establishing exchange platforms and contributing to the healthy and stable development of Germany-China relations.Hao Zhongwei, Director-General of the CPAFFC Department of European and Asian Affairs, also attended the meeting.

On January 7, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with Krishna Prasad Oli, the newly appointed Ambassador of Nepal to China, at the CPAFFC. The two sides exchanged views on various topics, including China-Nepal relations, and people-to-people exchanges and cooperation.Yang welcomed Krishna Prasad Oli on his appointment and extended his New Year greetings. He emphasized that both China and Nepal are ancient civilizations with close geographical proximity, shared cultural affinity, and a longstanding friendship. Over the past seven decades since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have consistently respected, trusted, and supported each other, and the bilateral relations have continued to develop in a healthy and stable manner. Last month, President Xi Jinping met with Nepali Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli during his official visit to China, where they reached important consensus, injecting strong momentum into the development of China-Nepal relations. Taking the 70th anniversary of the diplomatic ties as an opportunity, the CPAFFC is willing to work with the Embassy of Nepal to China to further strengthen people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, cultural exchanges, and youth friendship. The goal is to deepen cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, culture and tourism, contributing further to the China-Nepal strategic partnership for development and prosperity.Krishna Prasad Oli expressed Nepal's support for China's Global Development Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative, highlighting that China's progress offers valuable experience for other developing countries. The Embassy of Nepal to China looks forward to continuing close cooperation with the CPAFFC, fostering deeper exchanges and mutual learning between the civilizations, enhancing understanding between the two peoples, and strengthening youth and think tank exchanges. The two sides aim to expand cooperation in fields such as climate change and agriculture, working together to build an even closer China-Nepal community with a shared future.Ji Yongjun, Director-General of the CPAFFC Department of Asian and African Affairs, also attended the meeting.