From October 29 to November 2, 2024, Yan Dong, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), led a delegation to Dubai, UAE, to attend the Working Meeting of the BRICS+ Association of Cities and Municipalities. The visit was made at the invitation of Ilsur Metshin, Chairman of the Association and Mayor of Kazan, Russia. The meeting was attended by over 30 participants, both in person and virtually, including representatives from cities and local government organizations across nine countries (Russia, China, Brazil, India, South Africa, Iran, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Türkiye). Other participants included representatives from organizations and institutions such as the United Cities and Local Governments and the Guangzhou Institute for Urban Innovation (GIUI). The meeting primarily focused on the discussion of the charter of the association, organizational structure, and membership fees. It also announced the lists of the joint chairpersons and secretaries-general and confirmed that the next working meeting will be held in the spring of 2025. Brazil, as the incoming BRICS rotating presidency in 2025, will host the first general assembly of the association at an appropriate time following its establishment.Yan Dong began by extending congratulations on the successful conclusion of the 16th BRICS Summit, held recently in Kazan, Russia. He highlighted that President Xi Jinping's vision for BRICS - emphasizing peace, innovation, green development, justice, and closer people-to-people exchanges - provides valuable guidance for the further development of the BRICS mechanism. Yan emphasized that the meeting in Dubai aimed to implement the directives of the BRICS Summit, harness the collective wisdom and strength of local governments within the BRICS+ framework, strengthen solidarity among Global South nations, and promote the high-quality development of broader BRICS cooperation.Yan also underscored the significant role played by local governments and sister cities within the BRICS+ framework in fostering trust, promoting mutually beneficial cooperation, and contributing to world peace and development. He expressed hope that the meeting would advance the association's development as a platform for deepened collaboration, enhanced mutual trust, and stronger partnerships among local governments in BRICS countries, emerging markets, and developing nations. He also highlighted the importance of consolidating the foundation for people-to-people friendship and jointly building a community with a shared future for mankind.Ilsur Metshin briefed on Kazan's holding of the 16th BRICS Summit. He noted that the world is transitioning toward a multipolar order, with BRICS serving as a key force for global peace and development. He called for concerted efforts to further expand the BRICS+ partnerships at the city and local government levels, build and develop communication and cooperation mechanisms, strengthen mutual trust and solidarity to address global challenges together and work for a better world of peace and sustainable development.Before the meeting, Yan met with Evgeniya Lodvigova, Deputy Mayor of Kazan and the representative of the meeting host. They had an in-depth exchange of views on issues such as the association's charter and organizational structure, with CPAFFC's suggestions being put forward. During his time in Dubai, Yan also held discussions with several representatives of the participating countries. Among them were Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, Secretary-General of the Asia-Pacific Region of the United Cities and Local Governments; Nicholas You, Executive Director at the GIUI; Guseva Irina Mikhailovna, Co-Chairperson of All-Russian Association for the Development of Local Self-Government; Eduardo Tadeu, Executive Director of Brazilian Association of Municipalities; Pushyamitra Bhargav, Mayor of Indore, India; Teshome Adugna, Mayor of Shaggar, Ethiopia; Dr. Saif Al Nasri, Undersecretary of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, Abu Dhabi, UAE; and Uğur İbrahim Altay, Mayor of Konya, Türkiye. They exchanged views on strengthening contacts with each other, advancing the healthy development of the association, and deepening cooperation among local governments and friendship among the peoples under the BRICS+ framework.The BRICS+ Association of Cities and Municipalities was established in June in Kazan, Russia, with a founding declaration. China is one of the founding members, and the CPAFFC participated in drafting the declaration on behalf of the Chinese side. This meeting in Dubai marks the association's first working meeting since its establishment.

From October 30 to November 2, 2024, Jiang Jiang, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), led a delegation to the United Kingdom at the invitation of the Society for Anglo-Chinese Understanding (SACU). During the visit, Jiang met with Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor of London; Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, Chair of the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC); Peter Burnett OBE BBS, Chief Executive of the CBBC; Angus Robertson, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture; Lezley Marion Cameron, Depute Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh; and Paul Dennett, Deputy Mayor for Greater Manchester. Jiang also held working meetings with leaders of organizations such as the SACU, the Scotland-China Association (SCA), and the Manchester China Forum, engaging in in-depth discussions on strengthening people-to-people friendship and subnational cooperation between China and the UK. Related activities were also attended by Zhang Biao, Chinese Consul General in Edinburgh, and Tang Rui, Chinese Consul General in Manchester.Jiang highlighted that both China and the UK are permanent members of the UN Security Council and major economies. Developing stable and mutually beneficial relations aligns with the interests of both countries and their peoples and contributes to global peace and development. In August, President Xi Jinping had a telephone conversation with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during which they reached important consensus on expanding engagement and deepening cooperation, thereby enhancing confidence in bilateral cooperation. Recently, exchanges at various levels between China and the UK have maintained a positive momentum. Jiang noted that as China remains committed to deepening reforms, advancing Chinese modernization, pursuing high-quality development, and promoting high-standard opening up, more opportunities will emerge for China-UK relations.Jiang expressed appreciation for the significant contributions made by British friendship organizations in fostering mutual understanding between the two peoples. He commended the positive attitude of the cities visited toward cooperation with China. Jiang emphasized that people-to-people exchanges and subnational cooperation are key components of China-UK relations. The CPAFFC is ready to work with people from all walks of life in the UK to build stronger bridges for people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, cultural exchange, and youth engagement, contributing subnational and people's efforts to the development of China-UK relations. These initiatives, Jiang noted, would be guided by the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries.The British representatives welcomed the delegation's visit and unanimously recognized the importance of the UK-China relationship. They highlighted that strengthened cooperation between the two nations is essential for advancing economic development, improving livelihoods, and addressing global challenges such as climate change. The British side acknowledged the critical role of people-to-people exchanges and subnational cooperation in fostering stronger China-UK relations. It is willing to enhance communication with the CPAFFC to facilitate bilateral cooperation in areas such as economy and trade, culture, youth, and green development, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples.

From October 27 to 30, 2024, Jiang Jiang, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), led a delegation to Bulgaria at the invitation of the Bulgaria National Association for the Belt and Road. During the visit, Jiang attended the China-Bulgaria Subnational Cooperation and Exchange Meeting and met with prominent Bulgarian figures, including Petar Stoyanov, former President of the Republic of Bulgaria; Svetlan Stoev, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria; Iskra Doumkova, Secretary-General of the Federation for Bulgarian-Chinese Friendship; Zahari Zahariev, Chairman of the Bulgaria National Association for the Belt and Road; Blagomir Kotsev, Mayor of Varna; Velin Paskov, Chairman of the Bulgarian-China Society-Varna; and Roumen Novakov, President of the "Friends of China" Association in Targovishte. Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Dai Qingli accompanied Jiang during the meetings.Jiang noted that Bulgaria is the second country in the world to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. Over the past decades, the two countries have built a strong, traditional friendship. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, the bilateral relationship has been elevated to a strategic partnership. The mutual political trust has deepened, economic and trade cooperation has flourished, and people-to-people exchanges have become increasingly close. As an association engaged in people-to-people diplomacy, the CPAFFC cherishes the traditional friendly relations with Bulgaria and is willing to work with people from all sectors of society in Bulgaria to strengthen exchanges, build consensus, contribute more strength at the subnational and people-to-people levels to the development of China-Bulgaria relations, and jointly write a new chapter of mutually beneficial cooperation.Bulgarian representatives praised the remarkable progress in China-Bulgaria relations over the 75 years since diplomatic ties were established in 1949. They emphasized the critical role of people-to-people exchanges and subnational cooperation in advancing the bilateral relations and expressed their readiness to collaborate with the CPAFFC to deepen exchanges and cooperation across all sectors, injecting fresh momentum into the continuous development of the China-Bulgaria strategic partnership.In his speech at the China-Bulgaria subnational cooperation and exchange meeting, Jiang pointed out that the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China has made systematic deployments for further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization and that China's development will provide a broader space for China-Bulgaria cooperation. Sub-national exchanges, an integral part of China-Bulgaria cooperation, provide strong support for the development of bilateral relations. Jiang encouraged the localities of the two countries to work together to bolster people-to-people exchanges, enhance mutual understanding, deepen practical cooperation and realize common development, reinforce people-to-people exchanges and foster closer people-to-people ties, and promote friendship among youth, paving the way for a bright future.The exchange meeting was attended by representatives of local governments and businesspeople from 17 provinces and cities in China and Bulgaria, both physically and virtually. Participants shared insights into their respective development priorities and unique strengths, engaging in in-depth discussions on aligning development strategies and expanding cooperation in all fields.

On October 29, the 2024 Photo Exhibition of Historic and Cultural Cities of Lancang-Mekong Countries was held in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province.Approximately 160 guests visited the exhibition before attending the 2024 Forum on Lancang-Mekong Local Government Cooperation and Dialogue Between Historic and Cultural Cities of Lancang-Mekong Countries. Chinese attendees included Lu Shan, Vice Governor of Zhejiang Province; Sun Xueqing, Secretary-General of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), and heads from 33 local governments, foreign affairs offices, and friendship associations. Representatives from Mekong countries included M.R. Chirakom Kitiyakara, Honorary President of the Thai-Chinese Relations Association; Kim Pinun, Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of Cambodia; Ly Sary, Deputy Governor of Siem Reap Provincial Administration, Cambodia; Bounleum Manivong, Deputy Governor of Luang Prabang, Laos; Wantanee Wattana, Permanent Secretary for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Thailand; and Be Thanh Tinh, Member of the Standing Committee of the Cao Bang Provincial Committee and Director of the Cao Bang Provincial Education Department of Vietnam. Additional participants included representatives from 18 local governments, cultural organizations, and chambers of commerce of the Mekong countries.The exhibition featured 100 photographs showcasing the natural scenery, urban landscapes, and cultural traditions of over 20 historic and cultural cities of the Lancang-Mekong region. It celebrated the enduring friendship among the six Lancang-Mekong countries, which share geographical proximity, cultural affinity, and a common destiny. The exhibition reflected the Lancang-Mekong spirit of equality, sincerity, mutual assistance, and kinship, while expressing the shared aspiration of the people in the Lancang-Mekong region to jointly build a community with a shared future for the Lancang-Mekong countries. Guests posed for group photos in front of the exhibition boards and enthusiastically introduced their countries' cultural traditions and local customs to one another, fostering a friendly and lively atmosphere.This exhibition served as a supporting cultural activity for the 2024 Forum on Lancang-Mekong Local Government Cooperation and Dialogue Between Historic and Cultural Cities of Lancang-Mekong Countries. During the welcome banquet held the same day, guests were treated to performances showcasing traditional Chinese culture.

On October 28, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) hosted a dinner in Beijing to welcome the 45-member delegation of young Japanese educational workers organized by the Japan-China Friendship Center. Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the CPAFFC, attended and delivered a speech at the event.Yuan highlighted that respecting teachers and valuing education are shared traditions of both China and Japan. Since the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1972, educational exchanges have flourished, becoming a cornerstone of China-Japan cultural exchanges. Over the years, the CPAFFC has collaborated with the Japan-China Friendship Center to facilitate mutual visits and exchanges among young educational workers, yielding significant results and establishing the program as a flagship initiative in bilateral exchanges.Yuan emphasized that the foundation of China-Japan friendship lies in the people, and its future depends on the younger generation. He expressed hope that young educators from both countries would build lasting friendships, learn from each other, and work together to advance education in both nations and strengthen China-Japan ties. He reaffirmed the CPAFFC's commitment to collaborating with various sectors in Japan, including the Japan-China Friendship Center, to realize the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind and implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries. Yuan also called for joint efforts to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two countries, especially the youth, and contribute wisdom and strength to building a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship in the new era.The head of the delegation, Professor Shimbo Atsuko from Waseda University, said that she has long been engaged in teaching and research in the field of education and expressed her recognition of the importance of strengthening exchanges between young educators from the two countries. Representing over 40 primary and secondary schools across 17 prefectures in Japan, the delegation looked forward to meaningful engagement with their Chinese counterparts. Delegates pledged to actively participate in discussions, forge friendships, and contribute to the enduring friendship between China and Japan.Qin Lei, Director of the Beijing International Education Exchange Center, and Masato Usui, Minister of the Embassy of Japan in China, also delivered speeches before the dinner.During their stay in Beijing, the delegation attended a meeting with Chinese and Japanese educators and engaged in in-depth discussions on topics of mutual interest with teachers from 28 primary and secondary schools in Beijing and representatives from related organizations.During their visit to China, the delegation is scheduled to visit Beijing, Shandong, Shanghai, and other places to engage in friendly exchanges, visit local primary and secondary schools, experience traditional Chinese culture, and witness the achievements of China's economic and social development in the new era.

On the morning of November 1, 2024, the China-Canada Friendship Symposium in Commemoration of the 85th Anniversary of the Passing of Dr. Norman Bethune was held in Beijing. Shen Xin, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC); Diana Tan, Public Diplomacy Counselor of the Embassy of Canada in China; Michael Crook, Chairman of the International Committee for the Promotion of Chinese Industrial Cooperatives; and Nelly Ng, Chair of the Canadian Fund for International Understanding through Culture, attended and delivered speeches. Over 50 representatives from governments, people-to-people friendship organizations, hospitals, schools, research institutions, and media from both China and Canada participated in the symposium. Sun Tao, Deputy Director-General of the CPAFFC Department of American and Oceanian Affairs, presided over the meeting.Shen Xin paid tribute to Dr. Norman Bethune, who, in 1938, left the comforts of his homeland to lead a medical team supporting China's resistance against Japanese aggression, ultimately sacrificing his life in the process. Shen noted that Bethune's story remains deeply ingrained in Chinese hearts, and his legacy of internationalism and humanitarianism continues to inspire people in both countries. Shen expressed hope that individuals with vision in both China and Canada would carry forward Dr. Bethune's spirit, enhance mutual understanding, rebuild trust, and expand exchanges and cooperation across all fields.Representatives from institutions such as the Peking Union Medical College Hospital, the Bethune Spirit Research Association, the International Committee for the Promotion of Chinese Industrial Cooperatives, the Canadian Fund for International Understanding through Culture, the Canada-China Friendly Exchange Association, and the AKD International Inc. shared their experiences in fostering people-to-people exchanges in areas such as healthcare, education, and culture between China and Canada, as well as other countries. Participants unanimously agreed that the enduring friendship between the peoples of China and Canada serves as a cornerstone for steady China-Canada relations. Chinese and Canadian people enjoy a deep friendship. Despite current challenges, they expressed optimism about resuming and deepening exchanges and cooperation across all sectors. They called for renewed efforts to embody Dr. Bethune's spirit through concrete actions and to convey the voices of the people to policymakers, thereby facilitating the thawing and growth of China-Canada relations.

On October 29, 2024, the 10th Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting of Solidarity with Cuba was held in Beijing , bringing together 70 delegates from 16 countries/regions, including Cuba and nations across the Asia-Pacific. Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC); Sun Yi, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Fernando González Llort, President of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, attended and delivered speeches at the opening ceremony. Alberto Blanco Silva, Cuban Ambassador to China, also participated in the event.Yuan Mindao highlighted that Cuba is the first country in the Western Hemisphere to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. Thanks to the nurturing of generations of leaders and the joint efforts of people from various sectors in both countries, China-Cuba relations have grown stronger and flourished. He reaffirmed China's firm support for the Cuban people in their just struggle to defend sovereignty and oppose external interference and blockades. Yuan expressed the CPAFFC's readiness to work with all sectors in Cuba to sustain, strengthen, and further develop the special bond between China and Cuba, promote solidarity and collaboration, uphold fairness and justice, and jointly address global challenges, striving for steady progress in building a China-Cuba community with a shared future.Sun Yi emphasized that the world today has become a community with a shared future, where humanity's survival depends on collective efforts. He criticized the Cold War mentality and confrontational approaches as contrary to the trend of history, fairness, and the will of the people. Sun reiterated China's consistent opposition to the U.S. embargo and sanctions against Cuba and called on all parties at the conference to unite under the banner of multilateralism, strengthen solidarity within the Global South, and uphold international fairness and justice.Fernando González Llort expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of Cuba to the Asia-Pacific nations for their unwavering support in resisting the embargo. He emphasized that defending national sovereignty and world peace remains a top priority for all nations. He also praised President Xi Jinping's vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, describing it as both significant and aligned with the spirit of the times. González expressed Cuba's commitment to leveraging this meeting to promote a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous world.The Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting of Solidarity with Cuba is a regular multilateral project organized by the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, in collaboration with organizations for friendship with Cuba in Asia-Pacific countries. Its objective is to unite the peoples of Asia-Pacific countries to support Cuba in opposing the embargo and actively win the support of the international community for Cuba.

On October 28, 2024, Shen Xin, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with Michaël Delafosse, Mayor of Montpellier, France, and his delegation at the CPAFFC.Shen Xin conveyed CPAFFC President Yang Wanming's greetings to Mayor Delafosse and expressed appreciation for Montpellier's active engagement with China over the years in areas such as the economy, healthcare, culture, and sports. He particularly highlighted the fruitful exchanges between Montpellier and Chengdu, the first pair of sister cities between France and China, which have significantly contributed to fostering cooperation between localities in both countries. Shen reaffirmed the CPAFFC's commitment to building more bridges for people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, cultural interactions, and youth friendship. He expressed the CPAFFC's willingness to collaborate actively with Montpellier to bring the two peoples closer and ensure the steady growth of China-France relations.Mayor Delafosse highly commended the CPAFFC for its outstanding contributions to promoting subnational pragmatic cooperation and the development of sister city relationships. He remarked on the vitality and potential of China-France exchanges, which he witnessed firsthand during his visit to China. As Mayor of Montpellier and President of the Cites Unis France, Delafosse expressed his commitment to working with the CPAFFC to deepen subnational cooperation between China and France, aiming for more practical and fruitful outcomes.

On October 29, the 2024 Forum on Lancang-Mekong Local Government Cooperation and Dialogue Between Historic and Cultural Cities of Lancang-Mekong Countries was held in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province. The event was hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and organized by the Zhejiang Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. Approximately 160 attendees participated. On the Chinese side, attendees included Lu Shan, Vice Governor of Zhejiang Province; Sun Xueqing, Secretary-General of the CPAFFC; and heads of 33 local governments, foreign affairs offices and friendship associations. Also in attendance were M.R. Chirakom Kitiyakara, Honorary President of the Thai-Chinese Relations Association; Kim Pinun, Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of Cambodia; Ly Sary, Deputy Governor of Siem Reap Provincial Administration, Cambodia; Bounleum Manivong, Deputy Governor of Luang Prabang, Laos; Wantanee Wattana, Permanent Secretary for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Thailand; Be Thanh Tinh, Member of the Standing Committee of the Cao Bang Provincial Committee and Director of the Cao Bang Provincial Education Department of Vietnam, and other representatives of 18 local governments, cultural organizations and chambers of commerce of the Mekong countries.Lu Shan, Vice Governor of Zhejiang Province, welcomed the participants and provided an overview of Zhejiang's comprehensive economic and social transformation, driven by the province's "Eight Advantages and Eight Measures" strategy. He highlighted the fruitful outcomes of Zhejiang's exchanges and cooperation with the five Mekong countries in areas such as trade, investment, education, science and technology, and cultural tourism. Lu expressed his hope to further deepen these collaborations, contributing to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind and advancing modernization efforts together.Sun Xueqing, Secretary-General of the CPAFFC, noted that the six Lancang-Mekong countries are natural partners, eternal friendly neighbors, and all developing nations. Since the launch of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) mechanism, the six countries have upheld the Lancang-Mekong spirit, pursuing mutual benefit and common development while achieving significant outcomes in various fields. All six countries in the Lancang-Mekong region are advancing the building of a community with a shared future, on either a bilateral or a multilateral basis, writing a new chapter of friendship and people-to-people exchanges. Sun emphasized that 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the LMC initiative, and the CPAFFC stands ready to work with all parties to implement the consensus of the Fourth LMC Leaders' Meeting and the Ninth LMC Foreign Ministers' Meeting. He called for further efforts to deepen strategic mutual trust, promote pragmatic cooperation, and strengthen public support to advance the building of a community with a shared future for Lancang-Mekong countries.Kim Pinun remarked that the LMC serves as an important comprehensive sub-regional cooperation platform, facilitating exchanges and collaboration in economy, trade, culture, science and technology, education, and healthcare among the Lancang-Mekong countries. Looking ahead, he called for sustained efforts to strengthen mutual trust and deepen cooperation, ensuring greater benefits for the people in the region.Wantanee Wattana praised the Lancang-Mekong region's rich history and diverse cultures, emphasizing the shared mission of carrying forward the Lancang-Mekong spirit, consolidate the foundation for cooperation, and jointly addressing challenges. She expressed Bangkok's commitment to deepening the LMC, which she believes will support regional prosperity and contribute to peace and stability both within the region and globally.Under the theme of "Carry Forward the Lancang-Mekong Spirit and Build a Community with a Shared Future", 24 representatives from local governments from different countries held extensive and in-depth exchanges on a wide range of topics while taking in account their local development experiences, achievements of cooperation between sister cities and unique advantages and resources. The topics included "Building Consensus on Development and Drawing a Better Blueprint", "Leveraging Local Advantages and Promoting Practical Cooperation", and "Deepening Mutual Learning among Civilizations and Promoting People-to-People Exchanges". They also explored possibilities for pragmatic cooperation, made proposals on enriching cooperation among local governments in the Lancang-Mekong region and bolstering mutual learning among civilizations, and reached broad consensus.Participants agreed that the Forum on Lancang-Mekong Local Government Cooperation and Dialogue Between Historic and Cultural Cities of Lancang-Mekong Countries has served as a valuable platform for the countries in the basin to enhance mutual trust, strengthen cooperation, build consensus and create a better future. They expressed their commitment to carrying forward the Lancang-Mekong spirit, fostering people-to-people exchanges, aligning development priorities, and advancing the vision of cooperation. These efforts aim to bring people of the Lancang-Mekong countries closer to each other and make new contributions to the peace, stability, development, and prosperity of the region.As part of the Forum, international delegates from Mekong countries visited high-tech enterprises in Zhejiang to experience the new quality productive forces and the birthplace of the Two Mountains concept (lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets) to gain a deeper understanding of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization.

On October 25, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Embassy of Zambia in China jointly hosted a reception in Beijing to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Zambia and the 60th anniversary of Zambia's independence. Cai Dafeng, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), and Nelly Mutti, Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, attended the reception and delivered speeches. Yan Dong, Vice President of the CPAFFC, and Iven Zyuulu, Ambassador of Zambia to China, also delivered welcome addresses. The event was attended by nearly 200 representatives from various sectors, including Chen Xiaodong, China's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs; Zhou Xuewen, Member of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress; other senior Chinese officials; a delegation from the Zambian Parliament; Zambians living in China; and ambassadors from other African countries in China.Cai Dafeng highlighted that over the past 60 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the friendship between the two countries has stood the test of time, grown stronger, and remained full of vitality. Last September, the two countries elevated their relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. This September, President Xi Jinping and President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia held a bilateral meeting, providing important strategic guidance for the future development of China-Zambia relations. Cai expressed his hope that visionaries in both countries would seize the opportunity of this 60th anniversary to work together and contribute wisdom and strength to advancing China-Zambia relations, strengthening China-Africa ties, and building a China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era.Mutti noted that China is one of the first countries to recognize Zambia's independence. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1964, China has offered steadfast support to Zambia in key areas such as infrastructure, trade, healthcare, education, and technology transfer. With mutual respect, solidarity, and cooperation, bilateral relations between Zambia and China have flourished. Looking to the future, she expressed hope that the two nations would deepen cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, tourism, and education, working together to create a brighter and more prosperous future for their peoples based on mutual benefit and mutual respect.The reception featured performances by young Chinese artists, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.