Happy Spring Festival 2019 Cultural Temple Fair in Hong Kong with the Theme of Mountainous Parks Province · Colorful Guizhou, co-hosted by China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development (CFFPD), China Friendship Association of Cultural Circles (CFACC), the Information Office of Guizhou Provincial People’s Government (IOGPPG), Asia Tourism Exchange Center (ATEC) and Hong Kong United Arts Development Centre Co., Ltd. (HKUADC), was held in Shatin Park in Hong Kong on February 16. Mr. Li Xikui, Secretary-General of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and Director of CFFPD, Mr. Yang Jian, Deputy Director General of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr. Mu Degui, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Guizhou Provincial Committee and Director General of Publicity Department of the CPC Guizhou Provincial Committee, Mr. Bai Bing, Council Member of CFACC, Ms. Michelle LI Mei-sheung, Director of Leisure and Cultural Services of HKSAR, Mr. WONG Chi Cho, Joe, Jp, Director of Tourism Commission of Commerce and Economic Development Bureau Commerce, Industry and Tourism Branch and other 500 guests and local residents attended the opening ceremony.   Secretary-General Li Xikui said in his speech, the Chinese Spring Festival is the most important traditional festival in China and also a common festival for the Mainland and Hong Kong to celebrate. It combines most profound feelings of the Chinese people. This time, we took fine cultural products from Guizhou province which enjoys the reputation of the culture, wine, song and dance to Hong Kong, and hoped to show the original folk cultures and the colorful minority cultures to Hong Kong compatriots, so as to make them experience the achievements China had made since the founding of the People’s Republic of China 70 years ago. Director Michelle LI Mei-sheung said, this temple fair would make Hong Kong residents feel a charming Guizhou province from vision, hearing and taste, and enjoy the happiness and blessing. HKSAR has been working for promoting the cultural exchange between the Mainland and Hong Kong, and also expects to commonly develop through the temple fair.   Deputy Director General Yang Jian said, Guizhou province and Hong Kong have been maintaining a close relationship. He expected that this Cultural Temple Fair could make a more diverse, more various and more colorful Guizhou impression on Hong Kong citizens. Director Mu Degui made an introduction about the economic and social development and the trade exchange between Guizhou province and Hong Kong. He believed that this temple fair could further strengthen the understanding and learning about Guizhou province and promote the exchanges and cooperation to a new level.   The temple fair takes " Mountainous Parks Province · Colorful Guizhou” as its theme and consists of six major sections, including “Original Guizhou- Guizhou Tourism Photography Exhibition”, “Colorful Guizhou-Minority Performance”, “Charming Guizhou-Experiencing Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition”, “Interactive Guizhou-Seeing, Listening and Playing in Guizhou”, “ Treasures in Guizhou-Market from Mountains”, and Guizhou Happiness High-Speed Railway Experience Hall, covering snacks, minority performances, intangible culture heritage and etc.. The event will last three days. By way of exhibitions, performances and experiencing, Hong Kong compatriots could feel the culture, taste the food and enjoy the view from Guizhou without leaving home. They also could experience and learn about the differences between “sea” and “mountains”, “enthusiasm” and “freshness”, “fashion” and “simple”, “lively city” and “beautiful hometown”, “delicate cuisine” and “natural food”.            Photographed by Zhu Rui, Chinese National Geography

Mr. Song Jingwu, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met with Mr. Vladimir Norov, New Secretary-General of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on February 13, 2019. Vice President Song Jingwu conveyed the cordial greetings from President Li Xiaolin to Secretary-General Vladimir Norov and congratulated the Secretary-General on taking office. Vice President Song also made a brief introduction about CPAFFC and CCAFA (China-Central Asia Friendship Association). Secretary-General Vladimir Norov thanked Vice President Song for taking time to meet them and spoke highly of the important contributions CPAFFC had made on promoting the world friendship and local cooperation. He said, he would develop the friendly cooperation with CPAFFC during his tenure. Both sides had an in-depth discussion on the cooperation in various fields and made specific recommendations. Vladimir Norov has been working as new Secretary-General of SCO since January 1, 2019. Mme. Hu Chunmei, Associated Counsel of Department of European and Asian Affairs of CPAFFC, Mr. Luo Guangming, Deputy Secretary-General of SCO, attended the meeting.           Photographed by Wen Guangmei

Co-organized by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and KOUZAN Fine-arts Company, hosted by China Friendship Institute for International Art Exchange (CFIIAE), the first touring exhibition of the world-class animation work, One Piece, in China mainland, came to an end on January 15 in Shenzhen. There were around 100,000 visitors. The exhibition achieved a better response. The opening ceremony of the touring exhibition in Chengdu will be held in Sichuan Museum on January 29. Mr. Hu Sishe, Vice President of CPAFFC，Mr. ONO SINNYA, former Vice Minister of Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Mr. Wang Yi, Vice President of Sichuan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Sheng Jianwu, President of Sichuan Museum, Chairman of the Board of KOUZAN Fine-arts Company, Mr. HIRONO SHINICHI, Managing Director of Shueisha Inc., Mr. Wang Heshan, Secretary General of CFIIAE, Mr. Zhao Ping, President of Sichuan People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (SPAFFC), Mme. Xiang Qionghua, Secretary General of SPAFFC, Mme. Shiga Kenka, Chairman of Japan-China Peace and Development Promotion Association, Mr. Chen Jianzhong, Chairman of the Board of KOUZAN Fine-arts Company, and other leaders and guests, attended the opening ceremony. Vice President Hu Sishe said in his speech, the contemporary world culture has both distinct characteristics of the times and diverse. As a new type of cultural form and carrier, animation has achieved rapid development in the past two decades and has been widely loved by the people, especially young people. Japan's animation industry has an important place in the world, and it has also played a positive role in the development of Chinese animation for a long time. The animation exchanges between the two countries are not only conducive to promoting the exchange of animation culture of the two countries, but also enhancing mutual understanding and friendship of the youth. ONO SINNYA said that there have been 46 years since the resumption of diplomatic relations between Japan and China. The signing of the Japan-China Treaty of Peace and Friendship has also passed 41 years. There has indeed been a deep exchange between China and Japan. But what is more important is how to build a foothold for the hearts of the Japanese and Chinese. The cultural exchange opening with anime like this time has made children and young people overcome the obstacles of the nation and the peoples, transcending the specific ideology and the national framework to begin the collision of heart and heart, which caused a great resonance. One Piece was created by Eiichiro Oda, Japanese manga artist. It began serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine in 1997 and was popular with the animation fans all over the world.  One Piece had been published over 440 million until July, 2018. The touring exhibition in Chengdu will be held from January 30 to May 10. Photographed by Liu Wenwen

A reception in celebration of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between China and France was held grandly by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) in Beijing on January 21st, 2019. Mr. Chen Zhu, Vice-Chairman of Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), Mr. Wang Chao, Vice-Minister of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), attended the reception. Mr. Song Jingwu, Vice President of CPAFFC and Mr. Jean-Maurice Ripert, Ambassador of French Embassy in China delivered speeches respectively. Vice Chairman Chen Zhu and Ambassador Jean-Maurice Ripert unveiled the commemorative envelopes marking the 55th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations. Vice President Song Jingwu said, the relationship between China and France is splendid and also is a pacemaker for China’s overall relations with the West countries, playing a leading role in the past 55 years. The world is undergoing tremendous changes and faced with various challenges and opportunities. The bilateral relations should take the 55th anniversary as an opportunity to promote comprehensive strategic partnership. Ambassador Jean-Maurice Ripert said in his speech, the closer of the two countries brought the advantages and benefits for each other through overcoming differences caused by the different national conditions. This helped to invigorate China-France cooperative development, which would also be the aim we would make unremitting efforts in future. Over 150 personages including the leaders from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC, Ministry of Commerce of the PRC, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Education of the PRC, International Department, Central Committee of CPC and other relevant ministries, and diplomats from French Embassy in China as well as representatives from academic, business and other sectors of the two countries attended the reception. Ambassador Jean-Maurice Ripert Delivering a Speech at the reception   Vice-Chairman Chen Zhu and Ambassador Jean-Maurice Ripert Unveiling Commemorative Envelopes Marking the 55th Anniversary of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations.        

On January 21st, the China-Cambodia Friendly Personages’ Meeting hosted by CPAFFC was held in Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia, who’s on a formal visit to China, attended the meeting with Mme.Gu Xiulian, President of China-Cambodia Friendship Association (CCFA), CPAFFC Vice President Lin Yi and other 20 Chinese representatives from all fields. Hun Sen said that it’s pleasure to meet each Chinese friends who had witnessed and promoted the Cambodia-China Friendship. At present, with the strategic guidance by the leaders from two countries, the Cambodia-China relations got strong  momentum. This visit was of special meaning to promote the bilateral cooperation which would benefit Cambodia’s development. Hun Sen said that the people-to-people friendship contributed to the government-to-government relations and hoped that the two countries’ friendship associations would made continuous communications and cooperation to enhance the friendship and understanding between the two peoples. Gu Xiulian thanked Hun Sen for meeting the Chinese delegates and congratulated him for leading the Cambodian People’s Party to win the election last year and re-electing the Prime Minister. Gu Xiulian said that the China-Cambodia traditional friendship cultivated by Chairman Mao Zedong, Primer Zhou Enlai and King Father Sihanouk was deeply rooted and the two countries witnessed frequent high-level exchanges in recently years. It is with strong belief that Prime Minister’s visit would boost the bilateral relations. Gu Xiulian said that CPAFFC and CCFA would keep the exchanges and cooperation with Cambodia-China Friendship Association led by President EK Sam OL thus to further strengthen the bilateral relations. Mr. Pan Guangxue, Former Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia, Mr.Gu Jun, Senior Engineer of China Research Institute of Cultural Relics and Mr.Cao Xunchang, team leader of the 2016 Chinese volunteers service team to Cambodia delivered the speech during the meeting respectively. Mr.Wang Wentian, Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia was present at the meeting.             Photographed by Ren Xin 

2019 China-Japan Friendship New Year Concert organized by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) was held in Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center on the afternoon of January 19th. Mr. Song Jingwu, Vice President of CPAFFC, Mr. YOKOI Yutaka, Japanese Ambassador to China, and his wife, Mr. KAWAI HIROTAKA, General Manager of KAWAI Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd., attended the concert. Sino-Japanese young pianists, Xu Gehui and Shino Hidaka, played classic tracks from Franz Liszt, Johann Sebastian Bach, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and two pieces of featured music, Chinese Rhapsody-overture and dance music, Piano Folio. Young violinists and singers from Central Conservatory of Music performed wonderful ensemble played by piano and violin, and sang songs. The famous song, Nessun Dorma, chose from opera, Turandot, pushed the atmosphere of the concert to the climax. The concert won the warm applause and achieved a complete success. Nearly 400 Chinese and Japanese personages from all walks of life including leaders from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Ministry of Commerce of the PRC and other related ministries, council members of China-Japan Friendship Association and representatives from Japanese enterprises in Beijing and media, attended the concert. KAWAI Music Education· China and Japan Friendly Exchange Foundation was also sponsor. This Foundation was established in 2014, which was used to develop charitable activities for Sino-Japanese friendly exchanges with the aims of music talents training and music education. China-Japan Friendship New Year Concert had been held five consecutive sessions since 2015 and had received positive response.              

Mr. Song Jingwu, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met in Beijing with Mr. KIHARA SEIJI, Member of Japanese House of Representatives, Vice Chairperson of Policy Research Council for Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Former Vice Minister of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and his delegation on January, 17. Vice President Song extended welcome to KIHARA SEIJI and WATANABE TAKASHI, Mayor of Higashimurayama City, and conveyed the cordial greetings from CPAFFC President Li Xiaolin. Vice President Song said, last year marked the 40th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship. The bilateral relations returned to the track of normal development with the common efforts of the two governments and various sectors. Both sides should value the hard-won situation to improve the bilateral relations. Since this year marks the Sino-Japanese Youth Exchange Year, we would organize thirty thousand teenagers from China and Japan to exchange in five years. Both sides would hold Olympic Games Successively, which brought new opportunities for the people-to-people and cultural exchanges like the youth and sports of the two countries. The delegation had a discussion with General Administration of Sport of China about Games of the Tokyo Olympic this time, which achieved active results and signed a memorandum. CPAFFC and CJFA (China–Japan Friendship Association ) would like to strengthen the friendly relationship with Higashimurayama City and give a lot support in it. KIHARA SEIJI thanked Vice President Song for taking time to meet them and conveyed cordial greetings to CPAFFC President Li Xiaolin. KIHARA SEIJI said, it is very gratifying to see the recovery of Japan-China relations. During the visiting this time, Higashimurayama City and General Administration of Sport of China signed a memorandum, which could make more citizens in Higashimurayama City to learn about China. Japanese side would also like to give Chinese Olympic delegation a lot support in the training before the game and wished Chinese Olympic delegation a complete success in the Games of the Tokyo Olympic. KIHARA SEIJI also expressed that they are willing to promote the exchange and cooperation of the two countries in the field of youth, people-to-people and culture, and make their efforts on further improving the bilateral relations. The delegation visiting China was at the invitation of CPAFFC.

Vice President Xie Yuan met with Dan Stephenson, Executive Director of Overseas Partnerships for Golden Spike 150th Anniversary (Spike 150) and the Executive Director of Economic Bridge International on January 17th.  Stephenson introduced that Spike 150,initiated by Governor Gary Herbert and the State Legislature of Utah, will be held in May this year in Utah. This project aims to commemorate the meritorious contributions made by early Chinese immigrants on constructing the Central Pacific railroad 150 years ago as well as recognizing the efforts of contemporary Chinese immigrants in the growth of U.S. economy. He extended invitations to CPAFFC and Chinese government officials and business leaders.  Vice President Xie spoke highly of the Utah State government and legislature in commemoration of efforts and contribution made by early Chinese immigrants. CPAFFC would like to provide full support to Spike 150 and help promote the event to Chinese local governments and companies. He hoped that Utah could use Spike 150 as a platform to enhance the pragmatic cooperation at sub-national level between China and the U.S. so as to facilitate the sound development of the bilateral relationship.           Photographed by Jin Hanghang

Mr. Song Jingwu, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with Mr. Zeynalli, Azerbaijan Ambassador to China on January 17th. Vice President Song Jingwu extended welcome to ambassador Zeynalli and conveyed new year greeting to him from CPAFFC President Li Xiaolin. Vice President Song spoke highly of the high-level cooperation developed with Azerbaijan Embassy in China last year and said CPAFFC would like to further strengthen the cooperation and promote the cultural exchange between China and Azerbaijan, and the mutual understanding of the people of the two countries in future, so as to make contributions to the bilateral relations. Ambassador Zeynalli thanked Vice President Song Jingwu for giving a lot support in the work of Azerbaijan Embassy in China, and made a brief introduction about the plans of developing cooperation with China recently and establishing friendship-cities between China and Azerbaijan. Both sides also had a discussion on the cooperation this year. Mme. Hu Chunmei, Associated Counsel of Department of European and Asian Affairs of CPAFFC, attended the meeting.         Photographed by Cai Yunzhe

Mr. Song Jingwu, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with Mr. Archil Kalandia, Georgian Ambassador to China on January, 17th. Vice President Song Jingwu extended welcome to Ambassador Archil Kalandia and congratulated him on taking his new post in China. Vice President Song made a brief introduction about the basic functions of CPAFFC and the work CPAFFC had developed with Georgia in recent years. He said, CPAFFC would like to work together with Georgian Embassy in China and Georgian friendship organizations to increasingly enhance the mutual understanding and traditional friendship between the people of the two countries through developing cooperation programs. Ambassador Archil Kalandia thanked Vice President Song Jingwu for taking time to meet him. He said, during his tenure, Georgian Embassy in China would continue keeping close cooperation with CPAFFC as before and pushing forward the level of the cultural exchange and the local cooperation of the two countries to a new height. Mme. Hu Chunmei, Associated Counsel of Department of European and Asian Affairs of CPAFFC, attended the meeting.         Photographed by Cai Yunzhe