On October 19, Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with a delegation of friendly individuals from four prefectures within the consular district of the Consulate-General of China in Niigata at the CPAFFC. The delegation was led by Kokubun Kenichi, Vice President of the Fukushima Prefecture Japan-China Friendship Association.Yuan Mindao noted that China and Japan are important, close neighbors separated by a narrow strip of water. Over the past five decades since the normalization of diplomatic relations in 1972, the two countries have achieved significant progress in friendly exchanges and cooperation across various fields, delivering tangible benefits to the two countries and their peoples. He expressed his gratitude to the representatives of Japan-China friendship organizations from Niigata, Fukushima, Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures for their long-standing dedication to fostering China-Japan friendly exchanges and cooperation, as well as their invaluable contributions to China-Japan friendship. Yuan expressed hope to continue working closely with these organizations and other like-minded individuals in Japan to further enhance the bonds between the two countries.Kokubun Kenichi expressed gratitude for the invitation extended by the Consulate-General of China in Niigat. He stated that the delegation aimed to gain deeper insights into China's latest achievements in economic and social development and to apply these learnings to their future endeavors in promoting Japan-China friendship. He emphasized their commitment to advancing diverse fields of friendly exchanges and cooperation between the four prefectures and China.Representatives of friendly individuals from the four prefectures introduced themselves and shared updates on the state of Japan-China friendly exchanges in their respective regions.Zhang Xiaoping, Deputy Director-General of the Department of East Asian Affairs, also attended the meeting.

On October 19, the 14th China-Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) International Exchange Exhibition of Youth Calligraphy and Painting, co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and relevant friendly organizations and institutions in Japan and ROK, kicked off in Chengdu, the capital of Southwest China's Sichuan Province.Since 2011, the China-Japan-ROK International Exchange Exhibition of Youth Calligraphy and Painting has been held annually, rotating among China, Japan and the ROK. The Exhibition serves as an vital platform for young people from the three countries to showcase their talents, exchange ideas, and forge friendships through the art of painting and calligraphy.This year's exhibition, themed "A Hundred Flowers Blossoming Toward a Brighter Future", features more than 200 representative works by young artists from the three countries. The Exhibition will be on display at the International Friendship Pavilion of the International Horticultural Exhibition 2024 Chengdu until October 28, after which it will tour various districts and counties under Chengdu.

On October 19, 2024, the 2nd China-Europe-Africa Green Energy Development Forum, co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the China-EU Association, convened in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province. Themed "Collaborate on Green Energy and Join Hands to Address Global Climate Change", the forum brought together prominent figures and industry leaders. Liu Qibao, Vice Chairman of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and President of the China-EU Association; Zhang Zhenfeng, Vice Governor of the People's Government of Zhejiang Province and Secretary of Wenzhou Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China; and Salaheddine Mezouar, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Morocco, attended and delivered speeches at the opening ceremony. Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, former Prime Minister of Spain, addressed the Forum via video message.In his speech, Liu Qibao emphasized the shared interests and vast potential for cooperation among China, Europe and Africa in the green transition. He underscored that trilateral collaboration in green energy not only contributes to tackling global climate change and achieving sustainable development but also injects stability and predictability into an increasingly uncertain world. Liu called for the three sides to unite in addressing climate challenges, pursuing green development, strengthening industrial cooperation, and expanding green energy initiatives. He also highlighted the importance of mutual benefits, maintaining an open market environment, and ensuring the stability of global energy supply and industrial chains as key steps toward meaningful contributions to global climate governance.Zapatero, in his video address, remarked, "A China-Europe-Africa partnership can serve as a quintessential example of the 21st century, offering policy guidance and fostering the vision of a united community with a shared future for mankind. Green energy has the potential to drive economy growth, eliminate poverty, reduce inequality, and promote a cooperative economic model."Mezouar congratulated the forum's success and stressed the urgency of global challenges that demand stronger international solidarity. He referenced the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), where China proposed ten partnership actions for modernization over the next three years, including initiatives for green development. Mezouar emphasized the importance of the  China-Europe-Africa trilateral cooperation initiative in bridging the technological gap between developed and developing nations.Nearly 200 industry representatives from China, Europe and Africa engaged in discussions on topics such as "Review and Outlook of China-Europe-Africa New Energy Cooperation", "Internal Forces Driving China-Europe-Africa New Energy Cooperation", "Opportunities for China-Europe-Africa Green Energy Cooperation", and "Building a China-Europe-Africa Partnership of Green Finance". Participants broadly agreed that the unprecedented opportunities for China-Europe-Africa cooperation in green energy would significantly contribute to the growth and prosperity of the global green energy industry.

On October 18, Yan Dong, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with and hosted a dinner for a delegation led by Xie Yongde, President of the Singapore China Association, at the CPAFFC.Yan Dong welcomed Xie's participation in the China International Friendship Conference and Events Marking the 70th Anniversary of the CPAFFC, as well as his delegation's visit to Xinjiang. He commended Xie for his decades-long dedication to enhancing understanding and mutual trust between the people of China and Singapore. Yan expressed his commitment to further deepening cooperation with the Singapore China Association, aiming to strengthen contributions to mutual learning between Chinese and Singaporean civilizations and promoting people-to-people exchanges.Xie congratulated CPAFFC on its 70th anniversary and expressed his eagerness to work with the CPAFFC to enhance the Singaporean's understanding of China and deepen the friendship between the two peoples.The two sides also held in-depth discussions on future cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. Zhu Dan, Director-General of the Department of Cultural Exchange, CPAFFC, was present during the meeting.

On October 16, Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with a delegation from the Japan-China Friendship Association of Nagano Prefecture, led by its President, Nishibori Shoji, in Beijing .Yuan commended the Japan-China Friendship Association of Nagano Prefecture's long-term commitment to China-Japan friendship and its great efforts and positive contributions to promoting friendly exchanges between the two nations, particularly the close ties between Nagano Prefecture and Hebei Province. He emphasized the importance and willingness of collaboration with like-minded individuals from various sectors in Japan to vigorously promote friendly exchanges and cooperation between China and Japan, including people-to-people and sub-national exchanges, to leverage people's efforts for the steady and sustainable growth of China-Japan relations.Nishibori Shoji expressed his gratitude to the CPAFFC for the invitation to participate in events marking the 70th anniversary of the CPAFFC. He reaffirmed his dedication to the cause of Japan-China friendship and pledged to continue his efforts to strengthen bilateral ties, regardless of the challenges or setbacks that may arise in the future.

On October 17, 2024, Yan Dong, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with Tahir Farooq, Editor-in-Chief at Pakistan's Daily Ittehad Media Group, at the CPAFFC.Yan Dong welcomed Tahir Farooq's visit to China at the invitation of the CPAFFC and his participation in the China International Friendship Conference and Events Marking the 70th Anniversary of the CPAFFC. He acknowledged the Farooq family's long-standing and tireless contributions to fostering understanding and mutual trust between the Chinese and Pakistani people. Yan also highlighted President Xi Jinping's significant speech during his group meeting with foreign guests, which outlined the path forward for strengthening the people-to-people friendship between China and the world. Yan expressed the CPAFFC's readiness to work with the Pakistani side to carry forward the traditional friendship between the two nations, promote people-to-people exchanges, and deepen pragmatic cooperation under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries.Tahir Farooq extended his heartfelt congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the CPAFFC and highly praised the unique role played by the CPAFFC in advocating the idea that people around the world are of the same family. He also expressed his willingness to cooperate with the CPAFFC to leverage the influence of the Daily Ittehad Media Group and the Farooq family in Pakistan. He emphasized their commitment to presenting an authentic and friendly image of China to the Pakistani people, thereby fostering enduring ties between the two nations.The two sides exchanged views on enhancing media cooperation and youth exchanges. Moiz Farooq, Executive Editor of Daily Ittehad Media Group, and Qing Boming, Deputy Director-General of the CPAFFC Cultural Exchange Department, also attended the meeting.

On October 17, Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with Ogoshi Shunichi, Vice Chairperson of the Shimane Prefectural Assembly; Mino Ryo, Director of the Department of Environment and Civic Affairs of Shimane Prefectural Government; and other delegation members at the CPAFFC. The two sides discussed strengthening China-Japan subnational and people-to-people exchanges. 

On October 14, the 2024 Sichuan Belt and Road International People-to-People Friendship Organizations' Meeting opened in Chengdu, the capital of Southwest China's Sichuan Province. The event, themed "Sharing New Opportunities for Cooperation, Writing a New Chapter for the Belt and Road," gathered distinguished participants. Zhang Yangbin, Deputy Secretary-General of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), attended and delivered a speech at the opening ceremony. Also present were Zhu Chunxiu, Deputy Director of the Standing Committee of the 14th Sichuan Provincial People's Congress, other Sichuan provincial leaders, and nearly 50 foreign guests, including leaders of 16 friendship organizations and business representatives from 13 countries/regions.In his speech, Zhang Yangbin highlighted the significance of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which was proposed by President Xi Jinping in response to global changes, the demands of the times, and the trajectory of history. Centered on the shared aspirations of people worldwide for peace and development, the BRI embodies a Chinese approach to achieving shared prosperity and development through Eastern wisdom. Over the past 11 years, the BRI has injected new momentum into global economic growth, created new opportunities for global development, and established a new platform for international economic cooperation. It has evolved into a widely embraced international public goods, delivering tangible benefits to the people of countries and regions along its route.Zhang emphasized that at present, the Belt and Road cooperation has entered a new phase of high-quality development. He expressed the CPAFFC's readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders to leverage the unique strengths of people-to-people diplomacy, deepen cultural exchanges, enhance practical cooperation, promote green development, and foster youth exchanges. These efforts aim to contribute wisdom and strength toward building a more prosperous, open and inclusive world.

On October 10, Yan Dong, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), held a meeting at the CPAFFC with Koji Yamaguchi, President of the Min-On Concert Association.Yan Dong welcomed Yamaguchi's first visit to China as President of the Min-On Concert Association and his participation in the China International Friendship Conference and Events Marking the 70th Anniversary of the CPAFFC. He commended the Min-On Concert Association for its tireless efforts over the past five decades in fostering cultural exchanges between China and Japan. He expressed hope for continued collaboration, emphasizing the role of culture as a bridge to deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.Yamaguchi warmly celebrated the 70th anniversary of the CPAFFC and praised its unique role in strengthening people-to-people connections between China and the world. He reaffirmed his commitment to working with the CPAFFC to open a new chapter in people-to-people cultural exchanges between China and Japan.The two sides also discussed the upcoming tour of the Chinese dance drama Crested Ibises to Japan next year, as well as prospects for future cooperation.Zhu Dan, Director-General of the Department of Cultural Exchange, CPAFFC, attended the meeting.

On October 12, Gu Xiulian, President of the China-ASEAN Association and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 10th National People's Congress of China, met with a delegation led by Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam, in Beijing. The delegation was invited to visit the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC). Also attending the meeting were Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the CPAFFC, Pengiran Norhashimah binti Pengiran Mohd Hassan, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam, and Pehin Dato Haji Abdu'r Rahmani bin Dato Haji Basir, Bruneian Ambassador to China.Gu Xiulian warmly welcomed Princess Hajah Masna and her delegation to the China International Friendship Conference and Events Marking the 70th Anniversary of the CPAFFC. She commended Princess Masna for her significant and enduring contributions to fostering China-Brunei relations and enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples. Gu noted that last year's meeting between President Xi Jinping and His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah in San Francisco, the United States, had provided critical strategic guidance for the future development of the relations of the two countries. She expressed China's readiness to work closely with Brunei to implement the key consensuses reached by the two heads of state. This includes deepening friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as youth engagement, think tank collaboration, cultural exchanges, and subnational partnerships, thereby contributing to stronger ties between the two nations.Princess Hajah Masna expressed her gratitude for the warm invitation and meticulous arrangements by the Chinese side. She extended her heartfelt congratulations on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 70th anniversary of the CPAFFC. Highlighting the longstanding friendship between Brunei and China, she acknowledged the fruitful achievements in various fields, including economy, trade, culture and subnational cooperation. Underscoring that people-to-people friendship is the cornerstone of interstate relations, she reaffirmed Brunei's commitment to work closely with the Chinese side to strengthen people-to-people friendship and exchanges between the two countries to advance bilateral relations.