On 5th November, vice president Song Jingwu met with delegation of Japan-China Future Association led by famous japanese friendly personage Minamimura Shirou.Vice president Song praised Minamimura Shirou for his agelong engagement in China-Japan amity and introduced the exchange situation of CPAFFC towards Japan in recent years. He expressed that a vital opportunity for development of current China-Japan relation is coming and CPAFFC would work together with all Japanese of noble aspiration in various fields including Japan-China Future Associaton to inherit the tradition of amity between China and Japan, to constantly enrich the content of people-to-people exchanges, to develop new blood for China-Japan amity and to contribute commonly to building a China-Japan relation fitting the demands of new era.Minamimura said, Japan-China relation has been and will still be through all kinds of ups and downs. Both sides should fullly realize the importance of Japan-China amity to develop a stable and long-range relation between both countries. Japan-China Future Association would continue to uphold the spirit of Japan-China amity and contribute to people-to-people friendly exchange between both countries.

Seventy years with rains and hardships, seventy years with fruits and success.Seventy years of friendship road we went through together.In this colorful July with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Russia and the founding of the China Russian Friendship Association, the“Chinese and Russian Youth Revisiting the Friendship Road of Seventy Years”, initiated and co-hosted by the CPAFFC and the China Russian Friendship Association had its inauguration in Beijing on June 30th. 70 youth from difference regions and walks of society in Russia resembling 70 years friendship between China and Russia, together with about 100 youth from Chinese provinces, autonomous regions and universities gathered in Beijing. In the beautiful compound of the CPAFFC headquarters, the Chinese and Russian youth are all in white T-shirts with the logo which is consisted of the pictures of Chinese and Russian national flags and the number of “70” and the character “Friendship” reflecting youth and vitality.Mr Song Jingwu, Vice President from the CPAFFC and Vice President of the China Russian Friendship Association and Ms Olga Melnikova, Cultural Counsellor of Russian Embassy and Director of Russian Cultural Center in Beijing addressed the inauguration.Vice President Song Jingwu said that to carry out the instructions of the heads of state of the two countries and in line with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Russia, with the support of relevant departments from the two countries, the “Chinese and Russian Youth Revisiting the Friendship of Seventy Years”is launched today after over six months’ planning and preparation. He hopes the Chinese and Russian youth can take this chance to revisit the path and status quo of the friendship between China and Russia and develop their own thoughts and vision about the future of the bilateral relations. Hope the Chinese and Russian youth can sow the seeds of friendship through their first-hand knowledge of each other’s countries and since then take part into the friendship undertaking throughout their life and he is willing to wait together with the youth for the fruits of the friendship between China and Russia. In her address, Cultural Counsellor Olga Melnikova said that “Chinese and Russian Youth Revisiting the Friendship of Seventy Years”hosted by the CPAFFC is aimed to create a platform for the mutual understanding of each other’s country culture.During the inauguration, youth from the Russian Cultural Center and the CPAFFC gave their culture performances and brought the event to a new high. As part of this project, the Chinese and Russian youth will visit Changchun from Jilin province of historical significance in China-Russia Friendship and Hangzhou from Zhejiang province which reflects the China-Russia Cooperation in the new era before heading back to Beijing for the seminar and grand gala between Chinese and Russian youth.Let’s look forward to the stories on this tour of revisiting the seventy years’ of friendship. Photographed by Wen Guangmei

On May 16, Vice President Lin Yi of CPAFFC met with H.E. Madame Winnie N. Chibesakunda, the Zambian Ambassador to China. Madame Lin Yi delightedly recalled the visit to Zambia by her delegation in March this year and expressed gratitude for the hospitality given by the Zambian central and local governments as well as the Zambia-China Friendship Association. She said that the visit was fruitful and obtained good social response. The CPAFFC will actively implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, keep close touch with the Embassy of Zambia in China, the Zambian local governments and the newly established Zambia-China Friendship Association, so as to promote exchanges between the two sides and continuously improve the level of cooperation. Ambassador Chibesakunda is grateful for the CPAFFC’s long-term efforts in promoting Zambia-China friendship and local government exchanges. She briefed Madame Lin on the current progress and problems in establishing friendship provinces and cities between Zambia and China. She said that the Embassy will keep on strengthening pragmatic cooperation in areas of politics, trade, culture and tourism among more provinces and cities between the two countries. It is appreciated if the CPAFFC could continue to recommend Chinese provincial and municipal resources and provide necessary support in this regard. Madame Tang Ruimin, Deputy Director General of the Department of Asian & African Affairs of the CPAFFC, was present at the meeting. Photographed by Pei Xingchen

Supported by the Office of the Leading Group for the Belt and Road Initiative (the B&R Office) and China Development Bank (CDB), the seminar was co-organized by Silk-Road Planning Research Center (S-PRC), the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), United Cities and Local Governments ASPAC (UCLG ASPAC), Institute for One Belt-One Road Strategies of Tsinghua University and the Bank of Beijing. Mr.Chenyuan, Chairman of the Silk-Road President of Chinese Pepole’s Planning Research Centre,Vice chairman of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and Mr. Song Jingwu, vice-president of CPAFFC attended the meeting and delivered the speech. Over the past 40 years since China’s reform and opening up, China has achieved a lot in city renovation and is recognized by the countries along the belt and the road. The seminar focused on renovation of urban shantytowns, providing a platform for mutual learning and idea changing. The meeting was concluded by signature of the "Initiative for Cooperation in Urban Shantytown Renovation of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road" consensus.

Vice President Xie Yuan led a CPAFFC delegation to attend Michigan-China Week in the U.S. from May 6 to 9. Michigan China Week was hosted by the state government of Michigan and Michigan-China Innovation Center. Around 150 government and business representatives from Guangdong, Sichuan, Hebei, Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces participated in the China Week, during which they visited American Center for Mobility, University of Michigan, Quicken Loans and had extensive exchanges with U.S. representatives from public and private sectors. Governor Rick Snyder of Michigan met with Vice President Xie Yuan during the China Week. Governor Snyder expressed his warm welcome to the whole Chinese delegation attending the first-ever China Week in the history of Michigan. He attributed the rapid growth of Michigan economy in recent years largely to its fruitful cooperation with China. Michigan is now the No. 3 state attracting Chinese investment in the U.S. He hoped that the China Week could create more opportunities for the two sides to step up potential cooperation.Vice President Xie spoke highly of the outstanding contributions made by Governor Snyder to promoting cooperation between Michigan and China in areas such as trade, investment and tourism. Michigan has become the successful example for other U.S. states in terms of cooperation with China. Xie stated that in today’s era of great changes, China and the U.S. face similar development tasks, and cooperation is the only right choice for both sides. He believed that China-U.S. subnational cooperation had broad space for further growth. During the China Week, CPAFFC, Michigan-China Innovation Center and University of Michigan jointly hosted China-Michigan Industry and Innovation Dialogue, which set up the platform for northeastern provinces of Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang and the State of Michigan to share experiences in industrial transformation and upgrading as well as explore cooperation opportunities. Photographed by Zhang Yang

In commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Sri Lanka, “China and Sri Lanka in the Eyes of Photographers" photo exhibition in Colombo opened in University of Visual and Performing Arts in Colombo. The exhibition, which was aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and friendship and advocating the One Belt One Road Initiative, was co-hosted by CPAFFC together with Sri Lanka-China Society. Vice President of CPAFFC, Mr. Hu Sishe attended the opening ceremony together with other delegation members.Mr. Arjuna Ranatunga, Minister of Petroleum Resources Development of Sri Lanka, Mr. Yi Xianliang, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mr. Amaradasa Gunawardana, President of Sri Lanka-China Society, Mr. Indrananda Abesekara, President of Association for Sri Lanka-China Social and Cultural Cooperation and representatives from other friendship associations attended the opening ceremony.Lighting Oil Lamps to Celebrate the Opening CeremonyMr. Hu pointed out in his speech that since we established diplomatic relations, we have made tremendous achievements in the fields of politics, economics, trades, society, culture, etc. in the past 60 years. The strategic partnership of cooperation between the two countries which features sincere mutual assistance and everlasting friendship radiates new vitality. The 140 photos on exhibition here represent not only the diligence and intelligence of the four photographers, but also a perfect combination of the artistic features and documentary functions of photography. Their works will definitely enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples and deepen our traditional friendship. Vice President of CPAFFC, Mr. Hu Sishe Delivered A SpeechMr. Yi Xianliang, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka said in his speech that the history of our friendship dated back to ancient times. As early as 1600 years ago, the famous monk in China's East Jin Dynasty studied Buddhism in Sri Lanka and brought it back to China. He is not only a famous monk but also an envoy and witness of the two countries' friendship. Mr. Yi Xianliang held that despite our difference in population and territory, the two countries have been supporting and advancing each other on the international arena in the principle of mutual respect. He believed that the 140 photos on exhibition will surely propel mutual understanding and friendship between us.Mr. Yi Xianliang, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Gave A SpeechMr. Amaradasa Gunawardana, President of Sri Lanka-China Society said in his speech that the two countries had a history of friendship as long as 2000 years. Founded in 1981, Sri Lanka-China Society has been in a close relationship with CPAFFC since the very beginning. In the past 36 years, we have co-hosted the Chinese Characters Exhibition, Chinese Folk Art Exhibition and other cultural exchange activities. The photo exhibition today will serve as a good example of our excellent cooperation. He believed that in the future, we will give impetus to the cause of bilateral friendship with rich cultural activities. Mr. Hu Gave President of Sri Lanka-China Society the Photo Album As a Gift“China and Sri Lanka in the Eyes of Photographers" photography exchanges activity was launched in this May. The exhibition places include Pingyao in China's Shanxi Province, Colombo in Sri Lanka and Hangzhou in China's Zhejiang Province. As agreed by the two sides, CPAFFC together with Sri Lanka-China Society will extend the influence of the photography program to make it a comprehensive platform of exchanges, which include seminars on Sino-Sri Lanka relations, photography workshops, exhibitions, and performances. By doing so, the mutual understanding and friendship of the two peoples will reach a new level.

On November 3rd, 80th Anniversary of Cheena Bhavana, and 90th Anniversary of Prof. Tan Yunshan’s Arrival to India International Conference On India-China Cultural Resonance, co-hosted by CPAFFC, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Cheena Bhavana, Visva-Bharati(印度国际大学中国学院） and the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Kolkata was open at Santiniketan, India, where Cheena Bhavana, Visva-Bharati is located. As the specially invited cultural project, Visual Arts of China-the Chinese Folk Art Exhibition was unveiled the same day. Hu Sishe, Vice President of CPAFFC, Ma Zhanwu, Consul General of the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Kolkata, Riva Ganguly Das, Director General of Indian Council for Cultural Relations, and Swapan Dutta, Vice Chancellor of Visva-Bharati attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches. Tan Zhong, son of Tan Yunshan, with his family and other over 100 experts, scholars as well as people from press and culture circle attended the opening ceremony. Vice President Hu Sishe delivered speech Vice President Hu Sishe pointed out that China and India share many common grounds and experience similar development stage , which presents the ability for both sides to surmount the impediment of Mount Everest and pursue mutual understanding. This conference gathered experts and scholars from China and India, commemorating the efforts made by predecessors for friendship of two countries and conducting open dialogues on bilateral relations and topics concerned by two sides. The meaning of this conference is to promote understanding, build consensus and look into the future hand in hand. Consul General Ma Zhanwu delivered speech Consul General Ma Zhanwu spoke highly of this conference, which made a new record since the independence of India in terms of the number and level of experts, scholars and areas covered. Consul General Ma Zhanwu called for cooperation among experts, scholars, students and people from media of both countries on how to know each other objectively, learn from each other and resolve conflict together. Director General Riva Ganguly Das held that China and India enjoys long-standing friendship and both sides are willing to conduct deeper exchanges and cooperation in the new era. Indian Council for Cultural Relations has committed to promote and support the people and cultural exchanges of two countries in a long term. She believed this conference has milestone significance in promoting cultural exchange between China and India and looked forward to more frequent and deeper cooperation in this area. Vice Chancellor Swapan Dutta said that under the guidance of great predecessor Rabindranath Tagore and Tan Yunshan, Visva-Bharati and its Cheena Bhavana will continue working on teaching and research and promoting mutual understanding and friendship between two peoples so as to make its own contribution for human peace and prosperity. Vice President Hu Sishe presented Indian guests with latest Chinese books After the opening ceremony, all participants, students and teachers from Visva-Bharati and local people visited Visual Arts of China-the Chinese Folk Art Exhibition and had face-to-face contacts with the artists. In the following two days, over 50 experts and scholars from Chinese universities and institutes will exchange ideas with Indian peers on culture, education, philosophy, media, bilateral relations, etc.. New books by Chinese scholars like Tan Zhong will be launched during the conference. Vice President Hu Sishe took photo with local audiences and artists Vice President Hu Sishe was interviewed by CCTV correspondent in India Vice President Hu Sishe visited the Exhibition with Indian guests

On July 31, Madame Lin Yi, Vice President of CPAFFC, called on H.E.Mr. Hery Rajaonarimampianina, President of Madagascar, during her visit to Madagascar. Mr. Chen Xiaolei, Charge d'Affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy, was present at the meeting. Madame Lin expressed gratitude to President Rajaonarimampianina for his support to China-Madagascar people-to-people exchanges. She said that CPAFFC, as the biggest organization engaged in non-governmental diplomacy of China, is ready to cooperate with its counterparts in Madagascar and set up more platforms of practical exchanges, especially in personnel training and industrial cooperation. President Rajaonarimampianina spoke highly of the development of bilateral relations. He said that Madagascar and China share cultural similarity and broad space of cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, investment, trade, fishing and energy. Under the frame work of the Belt and Road Initiative, the comprehensive partnership of cooperation between Madagascar and China will constantly make new progress. Madame Lin Yi was visiting Madagascar at the invitation of Mr. Narson Rafidimanana, Minister of the Ministry Attached to the Presidency in Charge of Presidential Projects, Land Management and Equipment of Madagascar. The two sides jointly hosted “The Belt and Road: Conference on Industrial Cooperation” in Madagascar.

CPAFFC Vice President Mme. Lin Yi led a delegation to visit Uganda from May 26 to 30, 2017 and attended the 1st Uganda Dragon Boat Festival in Entebbe on May 28. H.E. Mr. Edward Ssekandi, Vice President of Uganda, and H.E. Mr. Zheng Zhuqiang, Chinese Ambassador to Uganda attended and addressed the Festival. Hon. Godfrey Kiwanda, Minister of State for Tourism of Uganda, H.E. Mr. Crispus Kiyonga, the designated Ugandan Ambassador to China, Mr. Benon Mugarura, Chairman of China-Africa Friendship Association Uganda (CAFAU), the local media, representatives of Chinese and Ugandan entrepreneurs, Chinese community in Uganda, the Chinese university students players and other local spectators totaling one thousand were present at the function. This Dragon Boat Race, co-hosted by the CAFAU, the Chinese Embassy in Uganda and the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities of Uganda, aims to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and Ugandan peoples, further China-Africa cultural and people-to-people exchanges and promote the tourism of Uganda. Players from both countries sped through the wind and the waves and forged ahead in Lake Victoria, the biggest lake in Africa, by which means they celebrated the traditional Dragon Boat Festival together. During the race, side events such as the Chinese and Ugandan cultural displays and food tasting fairs were also held. During their stay in Uganda, the delegation also attended the 2017 Annual General Meeting of the CAFAU, and met with Ugandan Vice President Edward Ssekandi, Minister of Local Government of Uganda Hon. Tom Butime and President of Uganda-China Friendship Association Mr. Sooma Ayub.

Mr.Hu Sishe, Vice President of the CPAFFC, attended the commemoration of the 45TH Anniversary of the Normalization of Relations between China and Japan and relative cultural events from May 1st to 5th in Japan, at the invitation of the NANAO Japan-China Friendship Society. He delivered a keynote speech themed with Strive for Progress in Peace and Friendship with Joint-efforts from Two Peoples in the commemoration conference, co-organized by the NANAO Japan-China Friendship Society, friendship societies in other cities, as well as personages in the field of politics and culture. Vice President Hu pointed out that friendly exchanges had been the mainstream over the 2,000-year mutual exchange history between the two countries. He also introduced that the CPAFFC had played a significant role in promoting people-to-people diplomacy after the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. He expressed his thanks to all the societies and personages presented, for their constant efforts to promote Sino-Japanese friendship cause in the face of ups and downs, which was the impetus for the development of the relations between the two countries. Also, he proposed three suggestions in regard to the bilateral local exchanges and youth exchanges. He called upon joint efforts from all friendly societies to build a better future for the two countries. During his visit to Japan, Vice President Hu met with Mr. Tanimoto Masanori, governor of Ishikawa，Mr.Nakanishi Yoshiaki, vice-governor of Ishikawa, Mr.Katsumi Koga, honorary adviser of Japan-China Friendship Society of Ishikawa, Mr.KImoto Toshio, president of Japan-China Friendship Society of Ishikawa, Mr.Toyokazu Fushima, mayor of the city of Nanao, Mr.Takaso Hiroshi, president of Nanao city assembly, Mr.Masuhiro Izumiya, mayor of the city of Suzu, Mr.Akasaka Toshiaki, president of Suzu city assembly, Mr.Okada Jo, president of Japan-China Friendship Society of Nanao, Mr.Michizo Sanbai, p resident of Japan-China Friendship Society of Suzu, Mr.Skamoto Akira, president of Japan-China Friendship Society of Anamizu, and so on. He illustrated the status quo of China in area of politics, economy and culture. “Cooperation benefits us both while confrontation can only hurt”, he pointed out, Chinese development is an opportunity rather than an threat. Peaceful development, mutual benefit and win-win result between China and Japan was in line with the fundamental interests of the two peoples, as well as the common aspiration of Asia and international community, he said. Vice President Hu also presented a bouquet to the A Narrow Strip of Water Monument in Nanao, and paid his tribute to the Chinese labors, brought to Japan by force and died in ruthless oppression during the second World War. Meanwhile, he visited the family members of Mr.Sakamoto Misoji, the passed-away former Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, who was an old friend of the CPAFFC. He stated that the CPAFFC will consolidate the achievement and explore cooperation channels with its partners in north region. He also mentioned the intention to promote youth exchanges and local exchanges between the two sides. The delegation led by Vice President Hu also took part in the SEIHAKU SAI festival, a traditional cultural event in Japan, which is enlisted as intangible cultural heritage by the UNESCO.