President Yang Wanming Meets with New Zealand Ambassador to China, Jonathan Austin
On June 13, 2025, President Yang Wanming met with H.E. Jonathan Austin, New Zealand Ambassador to China, at the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC). The two sides exchanged views on issues including China-New Zealand relations and people-to-people exchanges.President Yang noted that, since China and New Zealand established diplomatic relations more than 50 years ago, bilateral relations have enjoyed sound and steady development, marked by deepening political mutual trust and fruitful cooperation in areas of economy and trade, and cultural exchanges, etc. This year marks the beginning of the second decade of the China-New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The CPAFFC stands ready to work with friends from all sectors in New Zealand to continue building bridges for exchange and cooperation in subnational engagement, youth, and culture, further enhancing mutual understanding and deepening the friendship between the two peoples.Ambassador Jonathan Austin emphasized that in today's global context, the importance of people-to-people ties and exchanges is more prominent than ever. He affirmed that both he and the New Zealand Embassy to China are willing to working closely with the Chinese side to further strengthen bilateral relations and support subnational and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. Prior to the meeting, Ambassador Austin visited the former residence of Rewi Alley, a celebrated New Zealander and long-time friend of China, and viewed a special exhibition highlighting his life and legacy.Sun Tao, Director-General of the Department of American and Oceanian Affairs of the CPAFFC, and Erin Duncan, Political Counsellor at the New Zealand Embassy to China, were present at the meeting.
President Yang Wanming Meets with Minister of International Relations of Botswana Phenyo Butale
On June 13, 2025, President Yang Wanming met with a delegation led by Phenyo Butale, Minister of International Relations, at the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC). The two sides held in-depth discussions on strengthening subnational cooperation between China and Botswana and enhancing people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and Africa.President Yang extended a warm welcome to Minister Phenyo Butale on his visit to Beijing and commended his contributions to the sound and steady development of China-Botswana relations. He noted that, since China and Botswana established diplomatic ties five decades ago, bilateral relations have maintained a good momentum of development, with deepening political trust, fruitful win-win cooperation, and ever-growing people-to-people friendship. Not long ago, the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was held in Changsha. In his congratulatory letter, President Xi Jinping announced a series of major initiatives to further expand China-Africa cooperation, which has provided strategic guidance for advancing the ten?partnership actions for China and Africa to jointly advance modernization?and for promoting high-quality?development of China-Africa cooperation. This is expected to yield more tangible outcomes in mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Botswana.President Yang stressed that the foundation of China-Botswana relations lies with the people, and its dynamism comes from subnational engagement. Looking ahead, the CPAFFC stands ready to take the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges?as a key opportunity to expand cooperation in culture, education, tourism, and other?fields with Botswana, and to support Botswana's efforts to host cultural exchange activities in China. The CPAFFC is committed to, based on friendship city partnerships and the respective strengths of the two countries, promoting the establishment of more friendship city ties between China and Botswana to enhance subnational exchanges and cooperation; seeking to build more bridges for youth friendship, invite more Botswanan?youth to visit China and thus carry forward China-Botswana friendship.Minister Phenyo Butale spoke highly of the achievements made in bilateral cooperation across various sectors, and expressed appreciation for the CPAFFC's long-standing efforts to promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples. He noted that, the new government?of Botswana attaches great importance to the relationship with China and remains firmly committed to the One-China Principle. Botswana hopes to take the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to further deepen cooperation with China in such areas as infrastructure, tourism, economy and trade under the FOCAC framework, and to translate the turn the high-level political mutual trust?into more substantial and practical cooperation?outcomes.?Cultural exchanges constitute a vital component of the Botswana-China relationship. The Botswana side hopes to strengthen cooperation with China, send more delegations to China, and build friendships with Chinese people from all walks of life, further deepening the bond between the two peoples.Director-General Ji Yongjun and Deputy Director-General Huang Xiaowei of the Department of Asian and African Affairs of the CPAFFC, and Deputy Ambassador at the Embassy of Botswana in China Nomsa Daphne Mlotshwa were present at the meeting.
President Yang Wanming Visits Nanjing University
On June 10, 2025, President Yang Wanming of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) paid a visit to Nanjing University and held in-depth talks with Tan Tieniu, Secretary of the CPC Nanjing University Committee, on expanding international inter-university exchanges, youth and student exchanges, and think tank dialogues.Tan Tieniu extended a warm welcome to President Yang and outlined the university's latest developments. He said Nanjing University remains committed to follow the earnest instructions given by President Xi Jinping on building a "Unique Nanjing?University", press ahead with its goal of becoming a world-class institution with Chinese characteristics, distinctive strengths and the needs of the times, and vigorously advancing its internationalization?agenda. The university?looks forward to closer cooperation with the CPAFFC and thus contributing more wisdom and strength to China's overall diplomacy and people-to-people diplomacy.President Yang congratulated Nanjing University on its progress under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, especially in cutting-edge research, major national sci-tech programs, platform building and industry-oriented sci-tech innovation. He outlined the recent priorities of the CPAFFC in people-to-people diplomacy and expressed the willingness to work closely with Nanjing University on advancing international exchanges and cooperation, particularly in key areas such as think tank cooperation, sci-tech, and youth friendship, and jointly advance the broader cause of people-to-people friendship.Qing Boming, Director-General of the Department of Cultural Exchanges of the CPAFFC, Jin Shangjun, Deputy Director-General of the Foreign Affairs Office of Jiangsu Province, and relevant representatives from Nanjing University, were present at the meeting.
President Yang Wanming Attends and Addresses the Jiangsu People-to-People Friendship Conference and 70th Anniversary Commemoration of JSPAFFC
On June 12, 2025, the Jiangsu People-to-People Friendship Conference and the 70th Anniversary Commemoration of the Jiangsu Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (JSPAFFC) was held in Nanjing. President Yang Wanming of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) attended and addressed the event upon invitation. Governor Xu Kunlin and Vice Governor Fang Wei of Jiangsu Province, along with more than 100 international guests from 45 friendship organizations across 23 countries, also attended the event.President Yang extended his congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the JSPAFFC and noted that, over the past seven decades, JSPAFFC has remained true to its founding mission of "promoting international cooperation, safeguarding world peace and advancing?common development." Working hand in hand with counterpart organizations worldwide, it has continuously promoted exchanges and cooperation in education, science and technology, economy and trade, culture and many other fields, making significant contributions to closer people-to-people ties and deepened practical cooperation.In October last year, President Xi Jinping met with the foreign guests attending the China International Friendship Conference and Events Marking the 70th Anniversary of CPAFFC. President Xi highly?spoke of the important role of people-to-people friendship in promoting world peace and development and set out China's vision of leveraging the unique role of people-to-people diplomacy to help build a community with a shared future for mankind. Looking ahead, the CPAFFC will continue to support the work of the JSPAFFC by: capitalizing?on Jiangsu's status as a leading province for opening-up to build more bridges for people-to-people exchanges and enlarge its "circle of friends"; leveraging Jiangsu's economic strength to create additional platforms for practical cooperation and a wider network of win-win partnerships; drawing on Jiangsu's rich cultural heritage to encourage cultural exchanges and compose a "symphony" of mutual learning among civilizations; and building on Jiangsu's solid record in youth exchange to foster new links among young people and pass on the "baton" of friendship to the next generation.Governor Xu Kunlin said Jiangsu remains committed to serving China's overall diplomacy, made full use of the strength of people-to-people diplomacy and organized?a wide range of exchanges to deepen friendship and cooperation with people around the world, thereby making valuable contributions to strengthening people-to-people friendship between China and foreign countries. As the province's primary platform for such efforts, the JSPAFFC has, over the past 70 years, expanded Jiangsu's international network and cultivated many "gold-standard" friendships. With Chinese-style modernization?gathering pace, Jiangsu is accelerating the creation of a globally connected, two-way gateway and widening its economic, scientific, technological and cultural links—developments that open up new opportunities for international engagement. Guided by the instructions set forth by President Xi Jinping, Jiangsu will take this event as a new starting point to build more bridges for people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, cultural exchanges, and youth friendship, to foster economic and trade partnerships, encourage cultural?mutual learning and improve people's livelihoods in a tangible way, thereby writing a new chapter in people-to-people diplomacy and contributing to the sound, stable growth of China's relations with the rest of the world.Foreign participants shared reflections inspired by the important remarks on people-to-people diplomacy set forth by President Xi Jinping, and recounted their own experiences of cooperation with Jiangsu. They voiced unanimous support for China's Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization?Initiative, and expressed the willingness to broaden cooperation with Jiangsu in economy and trade, culture, education, sport and youth programs, in a way to deepen mutual understanding and help build a community with a shared future for mankind.The commemoration, organized?by the JSPAFFC under the theme "Seven Decades of Friendship, Hand in Hand in a New Era", seeks to put into practice the guidance in the important remarks delivered by President Xi Jinping during his meeting with the foreign guests attending the China International Friendship Conference and Events Marking the 70th Anniversary of CPAFFC, review past experience, broaden global friendship and promote cooperation. It also aims to advance innovation in people-to-people diplomacy in Jiangsu and support both China's overall diplomatic efforts and the province's open-door agenda.During the event, Xin Changxing, Secretary of the CPC Committee of Jiangsu Province, met with the visiting foreign guests, and President Yang was present at the meeting. On the sidelines, the JSPAFFC staged a series of themed activities, including the Fourth China-Japan Exchange Conference for Subnational People-to-People Friendship Organizations in the New Era, the Jiangsu-ASEAN and South Asia People-to-People Friendship Organizations Dialogue, and the Jiangsu-Europe and North Africa People-to-People Friendship Organizations Dialogue.
President Yang Wanming Attends and Addresses the Opening Ceremony of the Fourth Ningxia Friendship Cities Forum
On June 8, 2025, the Fourth Ningxia Friendship Cities Forum was held in Yinchuan. President Yang Wanming of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) attended the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech.President Yang emphasized that, international friendship cities serve not only as an essential window to showcase China's opening-up at the subnational?level, but also an important carrier?for advancing mutually beneficial economic and trade exchanges and industrial cooperation among various countries. Friendship cities partnerships have helped build bridges of friendship among peoples, create direct channels for economic and trade cooperation, improve public well-being, and pioneer new models of regional cooperation. These have consolidated the foundation of mutual interests and popular support for friendship between China and foreign countries, and made significant contributions to world peace and development.President Yang noted that the world is undergoing profound changes at a faster pace. Geopolitical tensions continue to escalate, and the trend of "decoupling or disruption of industrial and supply chains" is on the rise. Yet China's commitment to high-standard opening-up remains steadfast, and its resolve to share development opportunities with the world and to promote economic globalization that is more open, inclusive, balanced, and beneficial to all is unwavering. The CPAFFC and the China International Friendship Cities Association will continue to leverage their unique strengths, build more bridges for people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, cultural exchanges, and youth friendship, and actively support and promote friendly ties and mutually beneficial subnational cooperation between China and other countries across various sectors, thereby contributing to regional and global peace and development and advancing the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.Held under the theme "Friendship for Common Development, Cooperation for a Shared Future", the forum featured a series of events, including the Ningxia International Friendship Leadership Dialogue, the Economic, Trade, Investment and Industrial Matchmaking Session, the Talent Exchange and Sci-Tech Innovation Matchmaking Meeting, the Green Development and Desertification Control Cooperation Dialogue, and site visits to Ningxia's distinctive and competitive industries. During the forum, four new friendship city agreements and four cooperation agreements between Chinese and foreign enterprises were signed. Li Yifei, Secretary of the CPC Committee of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, and Zhang Yupu, Chairman of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Regional Government, as well as representatives from 12 friendship cities and 8 friendship organizations across 15 countries, attended the forum.While in Yinchuan, President Yang also attended and addressed the Opening Ceremony of the Fifth China (Ningxia) International Wine Culture and Tourism Expo as an invited guest.
President Yang Wanming Meets with Secretary of the CPC Committee of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Li Yifei
On June 7, 2025, while attending the Fourth Ningxia Friendship Cities Forum, President Yang Wanming of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met with Li Yifei, Secretary of the CPC Committee of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.President Yang congratulated the CPC Ningxia Committee on its solid implementation of the important instructions given by President Xi Jinping during his inspection tour of the region, active participation in the Belt and Road Initiative, and steady progress toward high-quality development and greater openness. President Yang said that, as a valuable platform for all parties to improve mutual understanding, deepen friendship and promote cooperation, the forum is expected to create new space for high-quality exchanges between Ningxia and its friendship cities across the globe. The CPAFFC is ready to work closely with Ningxia to put Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy into practice, pool resources, refine cooperation mechanisms, and further strengthen economic, trade and friendship city ties to make people-to-people exchanges more dynamic and effective.On behalf of the Party Committee and the People's Government of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Li Yifei extended welcome to President Yang and his delegation and expressed gratitude to the CPAFFC for its strong support for Ningxia's opening-up and development. He noted that, Ningxia has thoroughly studied and implemented Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy and the guiding principles of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech and instructions during his inspection tour to Ningxia. With a view to serving the overarching interests of China's overall diplomacy, Ningxia has actively participated in and aligned itself with the high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative. By leveraging the role of its platforms for opening-up, the region has achieved fruitful outcomes in expanding foreign economic and trade exchanges and deepening cooperation with international friendship cities. It is hoped that the CPAFFC would continue to care for and support Ningxia's development, give full play to the unique role of people-to-people diplomacy, and provide guidance and assistance in enhancing the construction of such platforms as the Ningxia Friendship Cities Forum and the Wine Culture and Tourism Expo, jointly broadening opening-up channels, expanding the "circle of friends" among international friendship cities, and attracting more foreign investment and enterprises to Ningxia for exchanges and cooperation. Such efforts will not only spur the high-quality development of the local economy but also showcase, through Ningxia, the bright prospects of Chinese modernization.Lei Dongsheng, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Committee of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Secretary-General of the CPC Committee of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, was present at the meeting.
2025 RCEP Local Governments and Friendship Cities Cooperation (Huangshan) Forum Successfully Held in Huangshan
From June 4 to 6, 2025, the 2025 RCEP Local Governments and Friendship Cities Cooperation (Huangshan) Forum was successfully held in Huangshan, Anhui Province. The event was co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the People's Government of Anhui Province. Wu Weihua, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, delivered a speech and officially declared the forum open.Held under the theme "Regional Partnership for Common Development", the forum featured a series of thematic events, including the Opening Ceremony and Keynote Speeches; Dialogue on NEVs and Advanced Photovoltaic Industrial and Supply Chains Cooperation among RCEP Member Countries, RCEP Member Countries and Yangtze River Delta Business Youth Dialogue, Dialogue on the Cooperation & Development of Specialty Agricultural Product?and Cross-border E-commerce, Dialogue among Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs of RCEP Member Countries. A variety of supporting activities were also organized, including?Huangshan Night,?product exhibition, field visits and other business matchmaking events. These activities collectively fostered practical cooperation in economic and trade, culture, and industry among subnational governments, providing a valuable platform for RCEP member states to deepen collaboration and pursue mutual benefit.At the opening ceremony, Liang Yanshun, Secretary of the CPC Anhui Provincial Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Anhui Provincial People's Congress, Yang Wanming, President of the CPAFFC, Shi Zhongjun, Secretary-General of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), Bhokin Bhalakula, Former President of the Thai National Assembly and President of the Thai-Chinese Culture and Economy Association; Yeo Joong-hyeop, Deputy Governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province,?Republic of Korea, and Lee Hee-sup, Secretary-General of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat, gave remarks respectively. Thai Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Chanthararuangthong and ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn sent video remarks. Wu Hailong, President of the China Public Diplomacy Association, and Tan Kok Wai, Adviser to the Democratic Action Party of Malaysia and Member of Parliament, delivered keynote speeches. The opening ceremony was moderated by Wang Qingxian, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Anhui Provincial Committee and Governor of Anhui Province.Vice Chairman Wu Weihua emphasized that advancing the RCEP is a crucial step in China's commitment to high-level opening-up. The Chinese?government is dedicated to working with all parties to promote regional economic integration and inject certainty and momentum into global free trade. Efforts should be pulled together to unlock the potential of RCEP, maximize its policy benefits, elevate the quality of the RCEP forum, foster an enabling environment, and build high-level platforms to accelerate the development of a closer Asia-Pacific community with a shared future.Liang Yanshun noted that the entry into force of the RCEP has brought sustained institutional benefits through tariff reductions, simplified customs procedures, and improved trade and investment facilitation, contributing greater predictability to the global economy. He affirmed Anhui's commitment to implementing the strategic decisions of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, implementing the strategy of "three hubs and one zone" (a hub for scientific and technological innovation, a hub for emerging industries, a hub for reform and opening-up, and a zone for green transition of socio-economic development"), and elevating openness, deepening industrial cooperation, and fostering broader exchanges to write a new chapter of win-win cooperation.President Yang Wanming stressed that, cooperation among subnational governments and friendship cities forms the foundation and driving force of regional collaboration and shared prosperity, and?an?inevitable choice?for sustainable?local development. In line with the important instructions by President Xi Jinping on strengthening people-to-people diplomacy and fully leveraging its role as a primary channel for people-to-people diplomacy and a key platform for international friendship city cooperation, the CPAFFC is committed to working with all parties to jointly implement the Global Development Initiative in the spirit of openness?and cooperation, strengthen popular support for friendly cooperation by deepening cultural exchanges, and promote high-quality RCEP implementation at the subnational level based on an expanded network of partners, thereby contributing new momentum to the development and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region.Bhokin Bhalakula expressed Thailand's firm support for initiatives that foster regional integration, and called for enhanced exchanges and collaboration among cities of RCEP member states, the establishment of innovation demonstration zones for dynamic cities and deeper cooperation in developing smart economies, with the shared goal of building a peaceful, prosperous, and forward-looking future.The forum achieved substantial outcomes. The 2025 Report on RCEP Regional Cooperation and Development was released. The Huangshan Initiative on establishing the RCEP Member States World Heritage Cooperation Alliance was issued. A total of 27 cooperation agreements were signed, covering areas such as friendship city partnerships (e.g., between Anhui Province and Cambodia's Sihanoukville Province and South Korea's Gangwon Province), and agreements in economic and trade, culture, science and technology among RCEP member states. Participants unanimously affirmed their commitment to leveraging the forum to deepen subnational cooperation in trade and investment, education, smart cities, digital economy, and new energy sectors, injecting fresh impetus into regional economic integration.This year's forum featured Thailand as the guest of honor and drew approximately 300 participants, including: diplomats and representatives from the other 14 RCEP member countries' missions in China, delegates from subnational governments and international friendship cities, representatives from international organizations and businesses, officials from China's General Administration of Customs and Ministry of Commerce, representatives from 11 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions across China, and institutional leaders from Hong Kong and Macao, including the Hong Kong Association for External Friendship, as well as scholars, business associations, and media representatives.Launched in 2023 by the CPAFFC and the People's Government of Anhui Province, the RCEP Local Governments and Friendship Cities Cooperation (Huangshan) Forum is the only national-level institutional forum under the RCEP framework.
President Yang Wanming Meets with Former President of the Thai National Assembly and President of the Thai-Chinese Cultural and Economy Association, Bhokin Bhalakula
On June 5, 2025, President Yang Wanming met in Anhui with Bhokin Bhalakula, former President of the Thai National Assembly and President of the Thai-Chinese Culture and Economy Association, who was visiting China at the invitation of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) to attend the 2025 RCEP Local Governments and Friendship Cities Cooperation (Huangshan) Forum. The two sides held in-depth discussions on strengthening China-Thailand friendship, promoting practical cooperation and jointly advancing regional economic integration, and reached broad and positive consensus.President Yang noted that Thailand, guest of honor at this year's forum, plays an important role in promoting high-quality regional economic growth. At present, China-Thailand relations continue to enjoy sound, stable and rapid development. In February, President Xi Jinping met in Beijing with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The two heads of state charted a new course for building a more stable, prosperous and sustainable China-Thailand community with a shared future. As this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries—the "Golden Jubilee of China-Thailand Friendship", the CPAFFC is ready to implement the consensus reached by the two leaders and, together with partners across the Thai society, deepen people-to-people friendship, promote cultural exchanges and advance practical cooperation, thereby contributing to the process of regional integration.Bhokin Bhalakula highly?commended the forum's fruitful outcomes. He observed that, within the RCEP framework, cooperation between Thailand and China in infrastructure, connectivity, green energy and cultural exchange has yielded tangible benefits for the people of both countries. The Thai-Chinese Culture and Economy Association is committed to working closely with the CPAFFC to carry out broader and more diverse people-to-people initiatives. In July this year, the two organizations will co-host the Spirit of Mountains and Seas?· Yuyuan Lantern Festival and 2025 China-Thailand Culture Month in Thailand, further celebrating the one-family bond between China and Thailand.Zhu Dan, Director-General of the Department of East Asian Affairs, and Zhang Shengjun, Deputy Director-General of the General Office of the CPAFFC, were present at the meeting.
China-Japan Youth Friendship Exchange Conference Held in Beijing
On May 29, the "Heart-to-Heart, Building Peace Together"?China-Japan Youth Friendship Exchange Conference, co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Japan-China Friendship Association, was held at Renmin University of China.Guests attending the event included Yang Wanming, President of CPAFFC; Zheng Xinye, Vice President of Renmin University of China; Kenji Kanasugi, Japanese Ambassador to China; Sasaki Masafumi, Executive Director of the Japan-China Friendship Association; Kato Chiyo, Executive Director of the Japan-China Cultural Exchange Association; and Yutaka Takakubo, Professor at the Faculty of Commerce, Nihon University. Nearly 600 participants, including youth representatives and media from both countries, participated in the event.President Yang Wanming emphasized that China and Japan are important neighbors separated only by a narrow strip of water. Since the meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru last November, bilateral exchanges and cooperation at various levels have progressed steadily, contributing to the continued improvement of China-Japan relations. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The?remembrance of history is not to perpetuate hatred, but to ensure the bell of peace rings eternally. The foundation of friendship between China and Japan lies in the?peoples, and the future of the?friendship rests with the younger generation. It is hoped?that the young people from two countries?will become advocates of peace, pioneers of innovation, and builders of mutual understanding, jointly writing a new chapter in China-Japan relations.Ambassador Kenji Kanasugi noted that the development of Japan-China relations requires not only governmental efforts but also the broad participation and support of the people. Promoting exchanges between two peoples aligns with the important consensus reached by the two countries'?leaders. It is?hoped?that this exchange serve as a starting point for the young people to build lasting friendships, with a forward-looking vision to establish a new relationship that benefits two?peoples.Vice President Zheng Xinye extended a warm welcome to?the youth representatives and affirmed Renmin University's continued commitment to promoting broader, deeper, and higher-quality educational and cultural exchanges between China and Japan, leveraging?the role of education in fostering friendly cooperation, enhancing global well-being and contributing to a more just, harmonious, and prosperous world.The Japanese delegation noted?that youth are a vital driving force in shaping the future of Japan-China relations. It's highly important?to engage in?youth exchanges.?Japanese youth should?cherish the visit to China, deepen understanding of its history, society, and culture, and build lasting friendships with Chinese peers, thereby strengthening the bonds of friendship between the two countries.During the event, nearly 300 young Japanese visitors interacted with Chinese youth from Renmin University of China, Beijing Normal University, Beijing Foreign Studies University, Beijing Language and Culture University, Beijing Sport University, Beijing International Studies University, and Beijing Dance Academy. Activities included cultural exchanges and talent showcases, fostering a warm and friendly atmosphere. Participants from both countries expressed that the event enhanced mutual understanding and friendship, and they pledged to become ambassadors of peace and goodwill, contributing their youthful energy to Japan-China relations.The Japanese youth?delegation's visit to China was part of the implementation of the Memorandum on Enhancing Youth Exchange between the governments of China and Japan. During their stay, the delegation visited Beijing, Shanghai, Shanxi, Jiangxi, Guangdong, Yunnan, and other regions for exchange activities.On the evening of May 29, Vice President Yuan Mindao of CPAFFC hosted a dinner reception in honor of the delegation.
Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries Awards the Honorary Title of "Friendship Ambassador" to Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Anar Alakb
On May 29, 2025, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) held a "Friendship Ambassador"?awarding ceremony in Beijing, awarding the honorary title of "Friendship Ambassador"?upon Anar Alakbarov, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan?and Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.?President Yang Wanming presented the medal and certificate, and met with Anar Alakbarov?and his delegation prior to the ceremony.?Vice President Jiang Jiang presided over the ceremony.?Ambassador Bunyad Huseynov of Azerbaijan to China was?also?in attendance.President Yang extended a warm welcome to Anar Alakbarov on his?visit to China and praised him and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for their longstanding dedication to advancing China-Azerbaijan relations. He noted that the two countries share a deep-rooted traditional friendship.?In April 2025, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan paid a state visit to China, during which the two heads of state announced the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership. This has marked a new chapter in bilateral relations and provided a strategic blueprint for future cooperation. CPAFFC is committed to working with the foundation under the guidance of the leaders'?consensus to further promote people-to-people friendship and deliver tangible benefits to two?peoples.President Yang commended Anar Alakbarov?for highly valuing the cooperation with China, greatly supporting and personally promoting China-Azerbaijan friendship in his capacity as Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, making important contributions?to deepening the mutual understanding, trust and friendship between the two peoples. The honorary title of "Friendship Ambassador" is a tribute to Anar Alakbarov's personal efforts and a recognition of the Foundation's sustained commitment to friendship with China.?The CPAFFC looks forward to more individuals stepping?forward as ambassadors of goodwill, bringing warmth and energy to the continued development of China-Azerbaijan relations. It is also believed that?the CPAFFC and the Foundation?will?jointly write a new and?more?vibrant chapter in people-to-people friendship between China and Azerbaijan.Anar Alakbarov?expressed Azerbaijan's high regard for the?relations with China and his appreciation for the notable achievements in bilateral cooperation in recent years. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation?takes the CPAFFC?as an important partner, and this collaboration has been formally included in the joint statement signed between the two heads of state not long ago.?The Foundation is committed to strengthening cooperation with CPAFFC in diverse areas including industry, subnational engagement, youth exchanges, and cultural and artistic collaboration, so as to serve the development of bilateral relations. He thanked CPAFFC for the "Friendship Ambassador"?title, describing it as both a personal honor and a symbol of recognition for the Foundation's contributions to China-Azerbaijan friendship. He pledged to continue working tirelessly to support and expand bilateral people-to-people exchanges.The honorary title of "Friendship Ambassador"?was established by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries in 1990. It is awarded to international individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of friendship between China and other countries.