President Yang Wanming Attends and Deliverers an Address at International Conference to Commemorate the 2575th Anniversary of Confucius' Birth and the 7th Congress of the International Confucian Association
On October 19, the International Conference to Commemorate the 2575th Anniversary of Confucius'?Birth and the 7th Congress of the International Confucian Association?(ICA) opened in Beijing. Wang Huning, Member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC)?Central Committee Political Bureau?and Chairman of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attended the opening ceremony and delivered an address. The ceremony was presided over by?Sun Chunlan, President of the ICA. Fukuda Yasuo, former Prime Minister of Japan and?Council Chair of the?ICA,?Massimo D'Alema, former Prime Minister?of Italy,?and Jean-Pierre Raffarin,?former Prime Minister?of France, delivered speeches?in person or through virtual?means. Other attendees included?Shao Hong, Wang Dongfeng and Liu Yandong. President Yang Wanming delivered a speech on behalf of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC).In his remarks, Yang Wanming congratulated the ICA on the convening of the conference and highlighted the enduring value of Confucianism as a cornerstone of traditional Chinese culture. He stated that Confucianism embodies the?most profound pursuits of the Chinese nation and provides vital nourishment for its?growth and development.?Moreover, Confucianism has made extraordinary contributions to human civilization?and continues to offer inspiration?for addressing contemporary global challenges.Yang emphasized that 2024 marks two significant anniversaries:?the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 70th anniversary of the establishment?of the CPAFFC. He referenced President Xi Jinping's important speech delivered on October 11 at the China International Friendship Conference and Events Marking the 70th Anniversary of the?CPAFFC. In his address, President Xi underscored the unique role of people-to-people diplomacy?to build a community with a shared future for mankind.?Looking ahead, Yang pledged that the CPAFFC?will deepen its collaboration with the?ICA?and remain guided by?Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy?and the Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, and give better play to the role of people-to-people diplomacy?as a main channel and the role of Confucianism as a bridge. It will work with people of insight to implement the Global Civilization Initiative. Together, they will build more platforms for conveying?truths through culture, allowing Chinese civilization to flourish and?adding?splendor to human civilization; establish additional channels for spreading voices through culture, developing new platforms, mechanisms, and models for cultural dialogue and cooperation that will benefit both the Chinese people and people around the world; and set up more platforms for fostering friendship through culture, enhancing?mutual understanding and affinity among peoples, particularly the youth of different nations, contributing insights and strength at the grassroots' level to the building?of a community with a shared future for mankind.
President Yang Wanming Meets with Governor Oigawa Kazuhiko of Ibaraki Prefecture
On October 17, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries?(CPAFFC), met with Oigawa Kazuhiko, Governor of Japan's Ibaraki Prefecture, in Beijing.Yang Wanming commended?Ibaraki Prefecture for its longstanding leadership in fostering friendly exchanges with China?under Governor Oigawa's guidance. He acknowledged the prefecture's significant contributions to advancing?local exchanges and strengthening?people-to-people ties between the two countries. Yang noted?that China-Japan relations are currently?at a critical juncture, requiring both sides to reflect on past achievements and envision future collaboration. He expressed the CPAFFC's readiness?to work with all sectors in Japan, including Ibaraki Prefecture, to implement the key?common understandings reached by the leaders of both nations. Yang emphasized the importance of boosting?people-to-people exchanges and cooperation across various fields and?striving?to build a constructive and stable?China-Japan?relationship that aligns with the needs of the new era.Yang reiterated that the foundation of China-Japan friendship lies in the bonds between their?peoples. He expressed hope that Ibaraki Prefecture would continue to play an active role in fostering?China-Japan people-to-people exchanges and cooperation. He called for efforts to enhance?local-level exchanges and deepen practical cooperation, strengthen?people-to-people ties, and expand youth programs?to ensure the enduring friendship?between China and Japan.Governo?Oigawa Kazuhiko highlighted?Ibaraki Prefecture's?rich history and strong foundation of exchanges with China. He acknowledged the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on bilateral exchanges but affirmed that Ibaraki's commitment to maintaining friendly relations with China has remained steadfast.??He pledged to continue promoting friendly exchanges and advancing?practical cooperation with China.Zhang Xiaoping, Deputy Director-General of the Department of East Asian Affairs of the CPAFFC,?Xu Qiangxing, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation, National Forestry and Grassland Administration,?and Ogawa Haruki, Mayor of Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, were present at the meeting.
President Yang Wanming Meets with Rui Costa, Chief of Staff of the Presidency of Brazil, and His Delegation
On October 17, 2024, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries?(CPAFFC), met with Rui Costa, Chief of Staff of the Presidency of Brazil,?Dilma Rousseff, former President of Brazil,?and Celso Amorim, Special Advisor to the President of Brazil, at the CPAFFC.President Yang expressed his gratitude to Brazilian counterparts?for their strong?support during his tenure as Chinese Ambassador to Brazil. He?emphasized the importance of China-Brazil cooperation in today's complex global landscape, noting that as the largest developing country and an important emerging market?in the eastern and western hemispheres, the two nations have a critical role to play in pursuing common development. Yang underscored China's readiness to work with Brazil to uphold their longstanding traditions of friendship, strengthen mutual confidence in collaboration, and fully engage?local governments, businesses, and non-governmental organizations in both countries. He highlighted his vision of ushering in a new era—referred to as the "Golden 50 Years"?for?China-Brazil relations.Rui Costa?conveyed?Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's strong commitment to deepening bilateral ties.?He remarked that?all sectors of Brazilian society?are eager to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results through practical cooperation in a wide range of fields. Costa emphasized that the?friendship between the Chinese and Brazilian peoples serves as the cornerstone of solidarity, collaboration, and cooperation between the two nations.?He assured that the?Civil House of the Presidency of Brazil would fully support the CPAFFC's initiatives?and assist in facilitating?exchanges and partnerships in areas such as?local government cooperation, youth programs, and people-to-people exchanges.Shen Xin, Vice President of the CPAFFC,?Sun Tao, Deputy Director-General of the Department of American and Oceanian Affairs of the CPAFFC,?and Qu Yuhui, Deputy Director-General?of the Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also attended the meeting.
The 15th Annual Meeting of the China-Iran Friendship Associations Held in Beijing
On October 12, the 15th Annual Meeting of the China-Iran Friendship Associations was convened in Beijing, under the theme “Contributing Civil Forces to the High-Quality Development of China-Iran Friendly Cooperation”. The opening ceremony was attended by Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People’s?Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC); Boroujerdi, Chairman of the Iran-China Friendship Association; and Mohsen Bakhtiar, Iranian Ambassador to China. Approximately 70 participants were present, including representatives from local friendship associations across many?Chinese provinces and cities, relevant enterprises, media, and members of the visiting delegation from the Iran-China Friendship Association, along with Iranian expatriates and students in China.President Yang Wanming welcomed the delegation from the Iran-China Friendship Association to China for the China International Friendship Conference and the 70th Anniversary Celebration of CPAFFC. He emphasized that China views its relationship with Iran from a strategic and long-term perspective. In his congratulatory message to Iran’s President-elect Ebrahim?Raisi, President Xi Jinping expressed China’s willingness to work with Iran to guide the?comprehensive strategic partnership towards deeper and broader horizons.President Yang put forward three suggestions to further strengthen the annual meeting’s role as a bridge and consolidate its mechanisms: actively promote subnational cooperation to broaden the scope of exchanges; strive to enhance pragmatic cooperation to deepen collaborative efforts; and focus on youth exchanges to strengthen the foundation of friendship. He highlighted that these initiatives would help transform the annual meeting into a platform for enhancing communication, sharing experiences, generating ideas, and fostering cooperation. This would enable civil forces to play a crucial role in ensuring the steady and long-term development of China-Iran relations, yielding substantial outcomes.Chairman Boroujerdi noted that this year’s meeting coincided with the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s?Republic of China and the 70th anniversary of the CPAFFC, adding special significance to the event. He congratulated China on its impressive achievements in economic and social development, and emphasized that both China and Iran are ancient civilizations with a long-standing friendship. The Iran-China Friendship Association is committed to close collaboration with its Chinese counterparts to continuously promote traditional friendship and advance pragmatic cooperation across various fields, benefiting both nations and their peoples.Ambassador Bakhtiar praised the important role of civil organizations, including the friendship associations of both countries, in enhancing mutual understanding, fostering friendship, promoting mutually beneficial cooperation, and maintaining global peace. He noted that various sectors in Iran highly value relations with China and are eager to collaborate more closely under the frameworks of the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. Such efforts would deepen China-Iran relations and contribute to peace and stability worldwide.Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on two key topics: promoting pragmatic cooperation between China and Iran and deepening cultural exchanges. They reached a broad consensus on strengthening cooperation across civil society, subnational partnerships, and youth engagement.At the conclusion of the meeting, President Yang Wanming and Chairman Boroujerdi signed the Memorandum of the 15th Annual Meeting of the China-Iran Friendship Associations.
CPAFFC Holds Ceremony to Award the Title of “Friendship Ambassador”
On October 10, the Chinese People’s?Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) held a ceremony in Beijing to confer the honorary title of “Friendship Ambassador”. President Yang Wanming presented medals and certificates to Ante Simonic, former?Vice Prime Minister of the Republic of?Croatia,?President?of?Croatian-Chinese Friendship?Society?Rijeka?(HKDPR), and Marcelo?Mu?oz, Chairman of the “Know China Lecture Hall”?(Zhihua Jiangtang)?in Spain, and delivered a speech. Vice President Jiang Jiang presided over the ceremony.President Yang congratulated Simonic and Mu?oz?on receiving the honorary title of “Friendship Ambassador” and fondly recalled their touching efforts to promote friendship between the peoples of China and Croatia, and China and Spain, respectively. He emphasized that it is thanks to a group of friends in Europe, like Simonic and Mu?oz, who have steadfastly upheld the belief in generational friendship and dedicated themselves to the cause of China-Europe friendship, that the foundation of people-to-people ties between China and Europe is so strong today. Their efforts have led to frequent exchanges, continuous interaction, and dynamic cooperation, injecting a steady stream of vitality into China-Europe relations.President Yang stated that the future of China-Europe friendship requires joint efforts, and he earnestly looks forward to more individuals of insight in Europe actively engaging in the cause of China-Europe friendship. He expressed his hope that European friends of China, including Simonic and Mu?oz, will take the China International Friendship Conference as a new starting point, and work tirelessly towards building a community with a shared future for mankind, jointly writing a new, vibrant chapter in China-Europe relations.Simonic and Mu?oz?expressed their congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the CPAFFC and their heartfelt gratitude for being honored with the title of “Friendship Ambassador” at this significant moment. They pledged to use this recognition as motivation to share China’s latest development concepts and remarkable achievements with their countries, thereby strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples, and contributing to the continuous development of bilateral and China-Europe relations.The honorary title of “Friendship Ambassador” was established by the CPAFFC in 1990 to recognize international friends who have made outstanding contributions to the cause of friendship between China and other countries.
Yang Wanming, Secretary of the Leading Party Members Group and President of the CPAFFC, Visits Xiongan New Area
On October 13, Yang Wanming, Secretary of the Leading Party Members Group and President of the Chinese People’s?Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), led a delegation to visit Xiongan New Area. The delegation toured key sites including the Comprehensive Service Center in the Start-up Area, the East-West Axis Dispatch and Command Center, Yannan?Dike?of Baiyangdian, the construction site in Rongdong District, and the Xiongan Planning Exhibition Center to gain a firsthand understanding of the planning and development progress in Xiongan New Area. Zhang Guohua, Chairman of the Hebei Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s?Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Member of the Standing Committee of the Hebei Provincial Party Committee, and Secretary of the Party Working Committee and the?Director of the Administrative Committee of Xiongan New Area, along with Wu Bo, Deputy Secretary of the Party Working Committee, Executive Deputy Director of the Administrative Committee of Xiongan New Area, Party Secretary and Chairman of Xiongan Group, participated in related activities. Wang Jianfeng, Party Secretary and Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of Hebei Province, and President of the Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and Wang Jiping, Deputy Director of the Hebei Provincial Xiongan New Area Office and a member of the Party Working Committee of Xiongan New Area, accompanied the delegation during the visit.Officials from Xiongan New Area highlighted that the establishment of Xiongan is a major strategic decision by the CPC Central Committee, with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, as part of the broader effort to advance coordinated development in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Currently, Xiongan New Area is actively implementing the key directives from President Xi’s important speeches, focusing on its primary role as a centralized location for relieving Beijing of its non-capital functions. The area is balancing large-scale construction with the integration of these functions, achieving significant progress in various phases. A modern city is emerging, growing robustly. The CPAFFC, as the main channel for people-to-people diplomacy in China, has played a vital role in strengthening friendship between the people of China and other nations, promoting international cooperation, maintaining world peace, and facilitating shared development. Officials expressed their gratitude for the continuous support and assistance from the CPAFFC towards the construction and development of Xiongan. They look forward to further support from the CPAFFC in promoting Xiongan’s international engagement, helping to accelerate the building of Xiongan as a pioneer of open development and elevating its level of internationalization.Yang Wanming highly commended the achievements in the planning and development of Xiongan New Area, stating that advancing the New Journey of National Rejuvenation and Building a Strong Country through Chinese modernization is the central task of the Party and the nation on this new journey. Xiongan New Area is striving to become a national model for high-quality development in the new era, with its future city framework already taking shape and demonstrating significant development potential. This reflects the bright prospects of Chinese modernization. The CPAFFC will further leverage its resource advantages to fully support Xiongan’s people-to-people diplomacy, aiding the construction of Xiongan’s international cooperation network. Through various channels and platforms, the CPAFFC aims to share the story of Xiongan, providing the international community with a genuine, comprehensive, and multi-dimensional understanding of the rich implications of Chinese modernization.The visit was also attended by Shen Xin, Vice President of the CPAFFC; Sun Xueqing, Secretary-General of the CPAFFC; and representatives from the CPAFFC General Office, the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Hebei Province, and the Party and Government Office of Xiongan New Area.
President Yang Wanming’s Op-Ed in People’s Daily
Forging Ahead to Deepen People-to-People Friendship and Promote the Building of a Community with a Shared Future for MankindYang Wanming, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and President of the Chinese People’s?Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC)On October 11, the China International Friendship Conference and the 70th Anniversary Celebration of the Chinese People’s?Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) were held in Beijing. President Xi Jinping met with the foreign guests attending the event and delivered an important speech, emphasizing the crucial role of people-to-people friendship in promoting world peace and development. He profoundly elaborated on China’s proposal for leveraging the unique role of people-to-people diplomacy under new circumstances, advocating for the spirit of “Shared Prosperity and Solidarity on a Global Scale”, the principle of mutual benefit, and an attitude of openness and inclusiveness to jointly promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Chinese?Vice President Han Zheng and Wang Yi, a?member?of the?Political Bureau?of the Communist Party of China (CPC)?Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, attended the commemorative conference and welcome banquet, respectively, and delivered speeches. Over 300 international friends from nearly 100 countries and regions participated in the event, engaging in discussions under the theme of “Deepening People-to-People Friendship and Promoting the Building of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind”, which fostered meaningful exchanges and consolidated wisdom and strength to build a better world through people-to-people cooperation.In his important speech, President Xi emphasized that people-to-people friendship is the foundation for stable and enduring international relations, the inexhaustible driving force for promoting world peace and development, and the basic prerequisite for achieving mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. People-to-people diplomacy serves as the bedrock for strengthening people’s?friendship and promoting the development of national relations. Over the past 70 years, the CPAFFC, as a national people’s?organization engaged in people-to-people diplomacy, has adhered to the principles of “Friendship, Cooperation, Peace, and Development”. It has endeavored to cultivate people-to-people ties, build bridges to enhance national relations, and facilitate international cooperation, consistently walking alongside the people, the nation, and the world.Seventy years of unwavering commitment to peace and development. From its early days, when it played the unique role of “civilian-led diplomacy, promoting official ties through people-to-people contacts”, to the celebrated success stories of “Ping-Pong Diplomacy” and “Ballet Diplomacy”, the CPAFFC has actively contributed to the nation’s diplomatic efforts. During the reform and opening-up period, it embraced the era’s themes of peace and development, vigorously promoting exchanges between Chinese and international communities. In the new era, it has facilitated comprehensive, multi-level, and cross-sectoral people-to-people diplomacy, contributing to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. The CPAFFC continues to serve as a main conduit for people-to-people diplomacy, committed to the pursuit of global peace and development.Seventy years of upholding original aspirations, building international friendships. The CPAFFC has never forgotten its old friends while continuously making new ones. It has established friendly exchanges and cooperative relationships with over 400 organizations and institutions across more than 150 countries?and regions, fostering more than 3,000 sister city (province/state) partnerships between China and over 140 countries?and regions, thereby building a global network of friends and partners spanning five continents. The association has tirelessly worked to enhance people-to-people ties and support national relations, reinforcing the friendship between China and countries worldwide.Seventy years of practical cooperation, driving concrete results. The CPAFFC adheres to a people-centered approach, mobilizing resources from international sister cities, multinational corporations, and friendly organizations to build mechanisms for local and civil exchanges between China and foreign countries. It has promoted pragmatic cooperation in various sectors, including trade, education, science and technology, culture, ecology, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and human resource training. Additionally, it has played a proactive role in international cooperation to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, striving to ensure that the fruits of development benefit people worldwide.Seventy years of dedicated effort, promoting connectivity between peoples. Focusing on the general public, grassroots communities, and the future, the CPAFFC has employed diverse artistic forms, including music, dance, drama, and acrobatics, to introduce Chinese culture to the world, fostering cultural exchange and mutual learning. It has also organized popular events such as food festivals, dragon boat races, summer camps, and grand gatherings to boost public participation and engagement. By actively promoting exchanges between Chinese and foreign youths, the CPAFFC seeks to ensure the continuity of the noble cause of people-to-people friendship, bringing people closer and fostering mutual understanding across borders.The 70-year history of the CPAFFC vividly demonstrates the powerful role of people-to-people friendship in promoting global peace and development, and the significant position of people-to-people diplomacy in the framework of overall national diplomacy. At present, the world is experiencing unprecedented changes, transformations of the times, and shifts in history. However, the interconnectedness of countries’ interests and the shared destiny of humankind remain unchanged. People across the world still yearn for peace, development, cooperation, and win-win outcomes. President Xi has emphasized that the people are the creators of history, and building a community with a shared future for mankind?represents the future of all people across the globe. We will continue to join hands with friends worldwide, aligning our efforts with the interests of all and the hearts of the people, advancing the great cause of people-to-people friendship towards the noble goal of building a community with a shared future for mankind.- As we move forward, we will work with friends from all nations to build more bridges for people-to-people exchanges, leveraging the channels of friendly organizations, maintaining ties with old friends, and making new ones. This will enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the people of China and other countries, further solidifying the social and public foundation of China’s international friendships.- As we move forward, we will work with friends from all nations to build more bridges for pragmatic cooperation, fully leveraging the cooperative platforms of international sister cities, and mobilizing resources and strengths from various sectors both domestically and internationally. We will continuously innovate cooperation methods, expand areas of collaboration, and improve effectiveness, ensuring that local and sister city partnerships deliver greater benefits to people around the world.- As we move forward, we will work with friends from all nations to build more bridges for cultural exchanges, fully utilizing culture as a conduit for communication and a bond of friendship. We will promote diverse, in-depth, and multi-dimensional cultural exchanges to foster mutual understanding and resonance between peoples, enhancing connectivity between peoples.- As we move forward, we will work with friends from all nations to build more youth-friendly bridges, fully recognizing the foundational and long-term role that youth engagement plays in developing relations between nations. We will invite more foreign youths to visit China and encourage more Chinese youths to explore the world, striving to nurture the next generation of future leaders for the cause of people-to-people friendship.“A partnership forged with the right approach defies distance”. We firmly believe that as long as people treat each other with sincerity and connect heart-to-heart, we will forge a path of shared progress, mutual understanding, and win-win cooperation. Together, we will stride towards a brighter future, building a community with a shared future for mankind.
Speech by President Yang Wanming at the “Xiongan Night” Reception of the China International Friendship Conference and the 70th Anniversary Celebration of CPAFFC
(Xiongan New Area, Hebei, October 12, 2024)Dear friends,It is a great pleasure to gather with you here in Xiongan New Area, where we can feel the vibrant energy of China’s “City of the Future”. First, on behalf of the Chinese People’s?Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Hebei Provincial Party Committee and the provincial government for their meticulous organization and thoughtful arrangements for today’s event. I also extend a warm welcome and heartfelt greetings to all our distinguished guests and friends visiting Xiongan.The China International Friendship Conference and the 70th Anniversary Celebration of CPAFFC?mark a significant milestone in the history of the CPAFFC?and a grand gathering for the cause of people-to-people friendship between China and other nations. With the enthusiastic participation and strong support of friends from nearly 100 countries?and regions, this event is now drawing to a successful close. Our international friends have engaged in in-depth exchanges, mutual learning, and collaboration under the theme of “Deepening People-to-People Friendship and Promoting the Building of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind”, achieving many positive results in a warm, friendly, and festive atmosphere.First, we have further consolidated the international consensus on building a community with a shared future for mankind. This vision represents the future of all people around the world. During his recent meeting with all of you, President Xi Jinping delivered an important speech, offering a profound explanation of China’s vision for the unique role of people-to-people diplomacy under new circumstances, deepening international friendship, and advancing the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. His remarks resonated deeply with friends from around the world. We look forward to working together with friends from all nations, leveraging the unique strengths of people-to-people diplomacy to foster friendship between peoples, promote pragmatic international cooperation, and build confidence in the cause of global peace, development, and progress. Let us navigate this path of mutual support, cooperation, inclusiveness, and shared prosperity, contributing our collective wisdom and strength to the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind.Second, we have gained a deeper understanding of the many facets of Chinese modernization. Advancing the New Journey of National Rejuvenation and Building a Strong Country through Chinese modernization is the central task of the Communist Party of China and the nation on this new journey. Recently, the 20th CPC Central Committee’s Third Plenary Session?set out a comprehensive plan to further deepen reform and advance Chinese modernization. During this event, we arranged visits to the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center?and Xiongan New Area, providing our international friends with an opportunity to witness firsthand the model of high-quality urban development in China and the promising prospects of Chinese modernization. We warmly welcome more foreign friends to actively engage in this process of Chinese modernization, working together to promote world modernization characterized by peace, development, mutual benefit, and shared prosperity, ultimately bringing greater benefits to people across the world.Third, we have gathered even greater civil forces to support the cause of friendship between the peoples of China and other nations. More than 300 international friends from nearly 100 countries and regions have traveled great distances to be here, crossing mountains and seas, all in the name of friendship and the noble cause of people-to-people exchanges. This dedication has deeply moved and inspired us. We will continue to uphold our commitment to friendship, uniting civil forces to build more bridges for people-to-people exchanges, pragmatic cooperation, cultural engagement, and youth friendship, fostering deeper understanding and closer bonds among peoples. We eagerly anticipate and warmly welcome more individuals of insight from around the world to join this great cause of people-to-people friendship, building bridges of friendship and connecting hearts, so that together we can create a better world for future generations.Our time together is brief, but the friendships we have forged will endure. In just a few short days, we have shared many heartwarming moments and touching memories. Through your actions, you have shown that you were, are, and will continue to be friends of the Chinese people!Dear friends, your long journeys to be here fill us with gratitude; your sincere wishes inspire us greatly; and your deep bonds of friendship will remain in our hearts forever! As the song “Auld Lang Syne”?goes, “Let us sing with one voice, to everlasting friendship. Let us hold hands closely, and never forget our bond. Let us raise our glasses high, to friendships that will last forever”.Thank you!
“Xiongan Night” Reception Celebrates the China International Friendship Conference and the 70th Anniversary Celebration of CPAFFC
On October 12, the “Xiongan Night” reception, part of the China International Friendship Conference and the 70th Anniversary Celebration of CPAFFC, was held in Xiongan New Area. Wang Zhengpu, Governor of Hebei Province, and Yang Wanming, President of the CPAFFC, attended and delivered speeches.Governor Wang extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests and offered sincere congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the CPAFFC. He remarked that people-to-people friendship is the foundation for stable and enduring international relations. During a recent meeting with foreign guests attending the China International Friendship Conference and the 70th Anniversary Celebration of CPAFFC, President Xi Jinping delivered an important speech, highlighting the need to enhance people-to-people friendship from the perspective of building a community with a shared future for mankind. Wang emphasized that China is committed to working together with friends from around the world to deepen mutual understanding, promote collaboration, and contribute positively to global peace and development. He highlighted Hebei’s unique geographic position, rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and abundant resources, expressing hope that guests would appreciate the natural, cultural, and developmental beauty of Hebei during their visit. He encouraged them to share the stories of Xiongan and Hebei with more people, fostering a shared vision for a better future.In his speech, President Yang Wanming noted that during the recent collective meeting, President Xi Jinping delivered an important address, offering a profound explanation of China’s vision for leveraging people-to-people diplomacy under new circumstances, deepening international friendship, and promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Yang remarked that this resonated deeply with friends from around the world. He expressed hope to work alongside international partners to fully utilize the unique role of people-to-people diplomacy in fostering friendship between peoples and advancing pragmatic international cooperation. He called for collective wisdom and efforts to contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind. Yang also welcomed more international friends to actively participate in the process of Chinese modernization, striving together for a peaceful, cooperative, and prosperous world modernization that benefits all nations.Princess Pilolevu Tuita of the Kingdom of Tonga and Luca Berrone, Director of the Iowa Friendship Committee, delivered speeches, stating that the CPAFFC is an important platform for promoting people-to-people diplomacy. They expressed their expectation that the CPAFFC would continue to play a role in enhancing global friendship and bridging divides. During their visit to Xiongan New Area, they were deeply impressed by its vibrancy and charm. They noted Hebe’s rich resources and vast development potential, and expressed hope to further strengthen friendly exchanges and cooperation across various fields with Hebei, promoting mutual development.Chinese and foreign guests also watched performances showcasing Hebei’s intangible cultural heritage.The event was attended by Zhang Guohua and Jin Hui, leaders from Hebei Province, Zhu Haowen, Secretary-General of the Provincial Government, as well as former foreign political leaders, heads of international friendship organizations, and representatives of friendly individuals.
