On August 12, China-Iran Friendship Night dulcimer concert was held at the West Theater by CPAFFC，the Iran-China Friendship Association and the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Beijing. The Jasmine Dulcimer Duo Orchestra from the Central Conservatory of Music and the Laha Santur Orchestra from Iran jointly presented the audience with a wonderful performance. Vice President Mrs. Lin Yi of CPAFFC, Chairman Mr. Ahad Mohammadi of Iran-China Friendship Association, Iranian ambassador to China H.E. Mohammadi Keshavarz Zadeh, as well as 300 people from both sides attended the concert. China-Iran Friendship Night Dulcimer Concert is one of the exchange programmes of the 3rd International Dulcimer Festival supported by CPAFFC. The International Dulcimer Festival Opening Ceremony was held in Xianghe, Hebei Province on August 11. Photographed by Ren Xin

On July 26, the 4th Council of the Chinese-Arab Friendship Association (CAFA) was founded and held its first plenary meeting in Beijing, followed by a celebration reception the same night. H.E. Arken Imirbaki, Vice Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, was re-elected as the President of CAFA and attended the above activities. The meeting introduced achievements of CAFA in enhancing people-to-people exchanges and assisting the building of the Belt and Road. Participants also made proposals on our future work. Diplomats from 17 Arab embassies in Beijing attended the reception. Photographed by Ren Xin

Vice President Xie Yuan met with President Laura J Lane of UPS Global Public Affairs on July 25th, 2019.  VP Xie highly appreciated the American enterprises such as UPS for their continued business in China and their efforts to consolidate the friendship with Chinese partners under the environment of complicated bilateral relations. He briefly introduced the schedule of CPAFFC’s work in exchanges and cooperation with U.S.in the second half of this year and wished to work with the American business community to make more contributions to enhancing China-U.S. friendship and promoting the development of the people-to-people communication and cooperation. Lane appreciated CPAFFC for the long term support to UPS. She introduced the company’s development plan in the Chinese market and expected to cooperate with CPAFFC in broader fields in the future to facilitate U.S.-China sub-national exchanges and benefit the two peoples. Photographed by Jin Hanghang

On July 19, Vice President Song Jingwu met with outgoing Ambassador of the Laos to China Vandy Bouthasavong in Beijing. On behalf of CPAFFC and President Li Xiaolin, Vice President Song thanked Ambassador Vandy’s support to China-Laos people-to-people friendship work during her tenure. VP Song said that China and the Laos are friendly socialist neighbors connected by mountains and rivers and the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership enjoys continuous development under the strategic guidance of the two countries’ leaders. CPAFFC will deepen the friendly and cooperative relations with the Lao Embassy in Beijing and Laos-China Friendship Association, thus to promote the bilateral people-to-people friendship cause. Ambassador Vandy thanked VP Song for sparing time on the meeting and sang a high praise to the Laos-China people-to-people friendship work conducted by CAPFFC and China-Laos Friendship Association (CLFA). Ambassador Vandy said that the Laos-China relations enjoy the best time in history and the two sides are now building the common community of shared future. The Lao Embassy to China will continue to support the work of CPAFFC and CLFA and jointly contribute to the development of Laos-China comprehensive strategic cooperative Partnership. Mr.Salermxay Thathongsak, DCM of the Lao Embassy to China, Mme.Zhu Dan, DDG of East Asian Affairs Department attended the meeting. Photographed by Wu Jiong

On July 17th, the 4th U.S.-China Sister Cities Mayors’ Summit, co-hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Sister Cities International (SCI), was held in Houston, Texas, with the theme of “40 Years Ahead: Stronger Friendship, Closer Cooperation”. Mr. Xie Yuan, Vice President of CPAFFC, Mr. Li Qiangmin, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Houston, Mr. Yin Chengwu, Minister-Counselor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States, Mr. Liu Jianyang, Mayor of Nanchang Municipal People’s Government, Mr. Peng Daiyuan, Vice Mayor of Guilin Municipal People’s Government, Mr. Luo Shijian, Vice Mayor of Baise Municipal People’s Government, Mr. Yang Wumin, Vice Mayor of Weinan Municipal People’s Government, Mr. Ron Nirenberg, Mayor of San Antonio, Mr. Alix DeSulme, Vice Mayor of North Miami, Ms. Helene Schneider, Former Mayor of Santa Barbara, Mr. Anise Parker, Former Mayor of Houston, Mr. Christopher Olsen, Director of Trade and International Affairs of Houston and around 200 representatives of local governments, enterprises, educational institutions and other organizations from 21 cities of 16 Chinese provinces and municipalities, as well as 21 cities of 11 states from the United States attended the Summit and had discussions over topics such as innovation and smart cities, Maritime Silk Road and impact, metroplex collaborations and the future for economic growth, and sino-foreign educational cooperation and exchanges, so as to reinforce relations of friendship cities, and to promote pragmatic sub-national cooperation between the United States and China. Vice President Xie Yuan delivered a speech on the opening ceremony of the Summit. He said, this year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States. For 40 years, although weathering wind and rain, China-U.S. relations have firmly forged ahead. Till now, China and the United States have built 227 pairs of friendship cities and 50 pairs of friendship provinces and states. The complementarity and concerted cooperation between the friendship cities have effectively promoted regional economic and social development and deepened the understanding and friendship between the people. In accordance with the principles and direction set by the two heads of state on the G20 Osaka Summit, we should strengthen cooperation in various fields and maintain engaged at different levels, so as to jointly advance a China-U.S. relationship based on coordination, cooperation and stability to bring more benefits to the two countries and people of the whole world. Minister Counselor Yin Chengwu of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States read the congratulatory letter from Chinese Ambassador Cui Tiankai. In the letter, he said, over the past 40 years, the China-U.S. relations have achieved historic development through ups and downs, which has brought great benefits to the two peoples, and promoted peace, prosperity and stability of the world. The history has fully proved that China and America stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation. Cooperation and dialogue is better than friction and confrontation, and this is also the fundamental principle that will underlie the China-U.S. relations in the future.  Mayor Ron Nirenberg said that this year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the United States. The summit would review the remarkable achievements and development of the bilateral relations in the past 4 decades, in order to promote bilateral cooperation and foster common prosperity. Director Christopher Olsen attended the Summit on behalf of the government of the City of Houston. In his speech, he said that with the increasingly closer relations between Houston and China in recent years, Houston attaches great importance to its relations with China. This Summit will surely further push forward the pragmatic cooperation between Houston and cities of China.  Mayor Liu Jianyang said in his speech that as the host city of last U.S.-China Sister Cities Mayors’ Summit, they sincerely hope that on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the United States and China, cities of both countries can further strengthen exchanges and cooperation through this platform so as to create a better future. Consul General Li Qiangmin said in the keynote speech that the sub-national exchanges between China and the United States, especially the friendship city cooperation, have always been a strong impetus for the development of bilateral relations and an important bond connecting people from different circles in the two countries. The Summit is the first important conference for bilateral sub-national cooperation after the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump at the G20 Osaka Summit, and it plays a significant role in promoting the relations and pragmatic cooperation of friendship cities between China and the United States. During the Summit, Shanghai held “Trans-Pacific Exchanges and Cooperation, Shanghai Commemorates the 40th Anniversary of China-US Diplomatic Relations” photo exhibition. The U.S.-China Sister Cities Mayors' Summit is an important mechanism for exchanges of local government between the two countries. Since its founding in 2014, the Summit had been successfully held for three times, with a total of over 800 attendees, including officials of local governments and representatives from all walks of life from both countries. The Summit has served as a platform for promoting the development of U.S.-China friendship cities and reinforcing practical cooperation between sub-national governments of both sides.   Photographed by Xinhua News Agency

On July 15, 2019, CPAFFC Vice President Hu Sishe met with Member of Swiss Federal Parliament and President of Swiss-China World Silk Road Association Mr. Claude Béglé. Vice President Hu Sishe welcomed Mr. Béglé’s visit and expressed gratitude for his warm hospitality for CPAFFC working unit and Yushu Prefecture Delegation during their visit to Switzerland as well as for his careful arrangement of events. Mr. Hu also said that CPAFFC would continue the friendly cooperation with Swiss-China World Silk Road Association and further the pragmatic cooperation between China and Switzerland in green sustainable development. Mr. Béglé thanked Vice President Hu Sishe for taking time to meet with them. He pointed out that the Chinese delegations’ visit has given Swiss people an opportunity to get to know the harmonious relations between Tibetan People and Han People as well as Tibetan culture’s philosophy of respecting nature. Both sides agreed that seeking a balance between economic development and environmental preservation would be an important agenda in the future sustainable economy. During the meeting, the two sides have also discussed future cooperation between the two countries in terms of eco-tourism, minority culture, wildlife protection, national parks and traditional medicine. Deputy Director General of Department of Cultural Exchanges Mr. Ji Wei and Executive President of Swiss-China World Silk Road Association Mr. Jing Yunchuan attended the meeting. photographed by Liu Jiayun

Vice president Xie Yuan met with delegation of the Faculty of Law and Political and Administrative Sciences, Lebanese University on July 15th , which is on a visit in China at the invitation of CPAFFC. Lebanese Ambassador in China Milia Jabbour attended the meeting. Vice president Xie introduced the work of CPAFFC and especially cultural and academic exchanges CPAFFC has done with Lebanese University in the recent years to the delegation. Members of delegation expressed that Lebanon has always been a bridge and a window of exchange between eastern and western cultures. Lebanese University expects eagerly to work together and to exchange with Chinese universities and think tanks. Lebanese University plans to establish the first major for master degree in the Middle East that focus on China issue research in the next academic year. The cooperation between China and other countries, especially in the One Belt, One Road Initiative emphasize the mutual benefit, win-win situation and teach people the means of production. The development of China provides the hope and opportunity for Arab world, especially for Lebanon. Ambassador Jabbour highly appreciated the bond-function of CPAFFC in terms of promoting cultural, academic and youth-exchange between China and Lebanon. Before the meeting, the delegation visited the history exhibition of CPAFFC and was able to learn in detail about history of Founding and development of CPAFFC as well as the people-to-people diplomacy work of CPAFFC. The visit of delegation is part of the 8th period of Golden Key Project implemented by Research Center for People-to-People Diplomacy, CPAFFC. Photographed by Xiong Liang

On July 12th, Vice President Ms. Lin Yi met with Mr. Andries Diener, new president of Swiss-China Association and Mr. Thomas Wagner, the honorary president. Both parties had a pleasant discussion on the cooperation and communication between CPAFFC and Swiss-China Association. Photographed by Sun Jiao

Led by Sectary General Li Xikui of CPAFFC, the young cadre delegation visited Tokyo, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Kanagawa etc. in Japan from 8th to 12th July. During the visit, the delegation paid an official visits to president of Japan International Cooperation Center Ms. Yamato Sachiko, mayor of Hitachinaka, Ibaraki County Oya Akira and Hitachinaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry and had a friendly pragmatic exchange with young entrepreneur of the chamber. Delegation also paid a inspection visit to Ibaraki state-operated Hitachi Coastal Park, Kouta Shouten, Kurozawa Soy Sauce Store, Romantic Village of Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Isogo Coal-fired thermal Power Station of Yokohama, Kanagawa, in order to get a comprehensive understanding of Japanese local administration, special industries, modern agriculture, civil support toward economic development, use of state-owned land, energy conservation and environment protection etc. and to seek to establish contact with local administration and promote cooperation, thus accomplishing the planned goals of this visit. Delegation members said, they have gained a more visualized and deeper feeling about well-developed industry technologies, advanced management ideas, insistent artisan spirit and beautiful natural environment of Japan after the visit. Their international view has been broadened and developing idea is also innovatively upgraded. All members are willing to take this visit as a chance to contact with Japanese local administrations in relevant fields, strengthen dialogue, discuss cooperation, work hand in hand to create a bright future of mutual benefit and win-win situation and make new contributions to China-Japan friendliness. Photographed by Wang Lei

At the invitation of CPAFFC, Mr. KIM SEONG IN，Communication Director of Korea Foundation（KF）led a delegation of 120 Korean Youth Friendship Ambassadors to visit China from July 7 to 11. The delegation paid a successful visit to Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (GZAR), where they went to universities and high-tech districts, got a better understanding of Chinese history and culture as well as the knowledge of the development and progress of modern technology. Mme. Tang Ruimin, Deputy Inspector of the Asian and African Affairs Department attended the welcome ceremony and made a speech. She said China and Korea are friendly neighbors and the two peoples enjoy time-honored friendly exchanges. The China-ROK friendship and the future of bilateral ties should be inherited and created by the youth from two countries.  Mr. KIM SEONG IN indicated that Korea and China have kept good communication relationship since the diplomatic ties was established in 1992. The two sides will build a more mature and future-oriented strategic cooperative partnership with expanding people-to-people exchanges at all levels and enhancing the youth communication. He hoped to continue to join hands with CPAFFC to co-organize the Korean Youth Friendship Ambassadors Program, so as to build a solider foundation Korea-China friendship.  The Korean Youth Friendship Ambassadors Program was co-hosted by CPAFFC and KF in 2009. So far, thousands of youth from two sides took part in the program. Group photo of guests at opening ceremony Deputy inspector Mme. Tang Ruimin made a speech at opening ceremony Group photo of delegation at opening ceremony Delegation attended the lecture of H.E. Jang Ha-Sung (Korean ambassador to China) at Guangxi University  Delegation visited Guangxi Normal University  Delegation visited Guilin School of Deaf-Mutes Korean youth experienced traditional Zhuang Medicine Photographed by Liu Lu