As one of the offical side events of the first China International Import Expo (CIIE), Belt & Road Eco-Agriculture and Food Safety Forum (BREAFSF) was held in National Exhibition and Convention Center( Shanghai ) on Novermber 6, 2018. The forum, with the aims of expanding food import, furthering international cooperation, was jointly hosted by State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and co-organized by Shanghai Municipal Food and Drug Administration (SMFDA) and Grand World Investment Holding Group (GWIHG). Mr. Zhang Mao, Minister of SAMR, Mme. Li Xiaolin, President of CPAFFC, Mr. Xu Kunlin, Vice Mayor of Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, Mr. Jean-Pierre Raffarin, Former Prime Minister of France, Mr. Shahin Mustafayev, Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan, Mr. Vytenis Andriukaitis, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety of European Commission, Mr. Andrew Doyle, Minister of State of Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine of Ireland, delivered speeches respectively. President Li Xiaolin said, this year marks the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening up. In the past 40 years, China has developed into a country with a huge supply of food and even a moderately prosperous society in all respects from a country with barely basic livelihood. As relying on the rule-based international free trade regime and open market, China and other countries become increasingly affluent. Countries need to pursue an open policy, explicitly oppose protectionism and unilateralism, and strive to enhance the level of opening-up at both multilateral and bialteral levels, so that we could make our economies interconnected and build an open world economy. Mr. Zhang Mao, Minister of SAMR, said, the cooperation between eco-agriculture and food safety had become indispensable parts to the Belt and Road Initiative and also become an important chance to build community of shared interests and community of a shared future for participating countries along the trade routes of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. Strengthening the international cooperation of food safety provides an important underpinning for the work of food safety. The fully cooperation among the particpating countries along the trade routes of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road is indispensable to the development of food trade, science and the supervision of food safety. Mr. Jean-Pierre Raffarin, Former Prime Minister of France, expressed, CIIE is a great initiative, which fully shows to the world China’s determination for further reform and opening-up and strengthening international cooperation and common prosperity. He also said, as food safety is related to the people all over the world, it needs countries in the world to cooperate. After the opening ceremony, the officals, enterprise executives and researchers from China and overseas had an in-depth discussion on three themes, including International Cooperation on the Supervision of Agricultural Products and Food, Eco-Agriculture Ensuring Food Safety, and Standards, Certification and Accreditation Promoting the Import Trade of Agricultural Products and Food. 300 representatives presented at the CIIE also attended the forum.      

The opening ceremony of the first touring exhibition in China mainland One Piece, the world-class animation work, was held in Sea World Culture and Arts Center in Shenzhen on Novermber 2. Leaders and guests, including Mr. Hu Sishe, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC)，Mr. ONO SINNYA, former Vice Minister of Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Mr. Liuwei, Deputy Director-General of China Merchants Shekou Industrial Zone Holdings Co., Ltd., Mr. Jiang Hong, Secretary General of ShenZhen Overseas Exchanges Association, Mr. Chen Jianzhong, Chairman of the Board of KOUZAN Fine-arts Company, Mr. HIRONO SHINICHI, Managing Director of Shueisha Inc., Mr. Wang Zhiyuan, Chairman of the Board of YONGHENGSHENG Group, Mr. YAMADA KIICHIROU, Director of TOEI ANIMATION CO., LTD., Mr. Wang Hao, General Manager of Chongqing Dongling Art Co., Ltd., attended the opening ceremony. Vice President Hu Sishe said, Japanese people have similar aesthetics standard to Chinese people, which make manga popular with Chinese readers. For over 20 years, One Piece has been conveying a spirit of optimism, courage, hard working and perseverance to the readers, which has an active effect on the Chinese young generations, and carries forward the values of positive energy, therefore, it is a influential work. Last week, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said at the reception to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the bilateral relations suffered twists in the past four decades, but keeping peaceful, friendly and cooperative relations was still the mainstream of the development of the two countries. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening up, as a new  emerging industry, China’s animation industry shows a trend of rapid growth. Since Japan’s animation has a long history, it is worth learning. He hoped that both countries could make more contributions to the improvement of the bilateral relations through strengthening the exchange of the two countries in the field of animation. ONO SINNYA said, the current culture is a combination of various culture, art, ideas and fashion, which belongs to every- one in this time. He sincerely hoped that the two countries could enhance the friendship of the people of our two countries, train more successors to the friendship cause, and strengthen the exchanges of the two peoples through this activity. He also expected to foster an active and great event for Sino-Japanese young people on cultural exchange. 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 was co-hosted by CPAFFC and KOUZAN Fine-arts Company, assisted by China Friendship Institute for International Art Exchanges, and organized by Chongqing Dongling Art Co., Ltd. and YONGHENGSHENG Group. Japan "Hello ONE PIECE" Executive Committee have legitimate right to hold touring exhibitions. The touring exhibition in ShenZhen will last for 75 days.           Photographed by Xiu Yilin

A reception to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Macedonia was held by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) in Beijing on Novermber 2, 2018. Mr. Song Jingwu, Vice President of CPAFFC and Mr. Zorica Tashkovska, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of Macedonia Embassy in China, attended the activity and delivered speeches respectively. After addressing, Vice President Song Jingwu and Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Zorica Tashkovska jointly unveiled the commemorative envelope marking the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties of the two countries. Vice President Song Jingwu also presented the portrait of Gjorge IVANOV, Macedonia President, which was paited by painter Miao Jianzhong, to Macedonia Embassy in China. Friendly personages from all walks of life of the two countries, departments and representatives from medias attended the reception.     Photographed by Feng Miao

On November 1st, invited by Volgograd Administration, Vice President Xie Yuan of CIFCA led a delegation to attend the International People’s Diplomacy Forum held in Volgograd, Russia and delivered a speech at the theme forum of Mechanisms of the International Municipal Partnership. Xie said that our association has founded quite a few bilateral and multilateral cooperation platforms for promoting exchanges between Chinese and foreign local governments, which have greatly promoted the opening up of Chinese local governments and their result-oriented cooperation with their counterparts from other countries. Russia has established 140 affiliations of friendship cities (provinces and states) with China. Through the friendship-city channel, local governments of the two sides have carried out many fruitful cooperation under the framework of BRICS and“Belt and Road” initiative. China and Russia will hold years of  local cooperation and exchange in 2018 and 2019. Our association will continue to seek more ways to cooperate for the benefit of the two peoples. For several years in a row, Volgograd has held the International People’s Diplomacy Forum. The aim of this event is to strengthen cooperation and expand international civil links, thus enabling the international community to resolve with a greater efficacy the local and regional problems they currently have to face, and promoting the safe and peaceful development of nations and peoples. The theme of the forum is Peace and Mutual Understanding in the 21st Century. Nearly 200 participants from 20 countries were invited to present. During the forum, Xie met with Andrey Kosolapov, Chair of Volgograd City Council and exchanged views on promoting the cooperation between the Chinese and Russian parliaments and friendship cities.          

On November 1st, Vice President Hu Sishe met with California Bay Area Council delegation headed by  Keith Carson, supervisor of Alameda County. VP Hu introduced the role by CPAFFC and its efforts in promoting subnational exchanges between China and the U.S.He stressed that cooperation is the only right option for both sides. China has huge market potential and China-U.S.cooperation serves the common aspiration between the two peoples. CPAFFC would like to be a bridge helping facilitating more practical cooperation that will benefit the two peoples. VP Hu also elaborated China’s investment environment and policies, which are to the concerns of the delegation, including IPR protection, market access and market fairness. He welcomed the delegation members to make efforts to strengthen communication and cooperation with China in economy, trade, science and technology and Bay Area’s development, and push forward China-U.S. sub-national exchanges. Supervisor Carson appreciated the strong support by CPAFFC in promoting U.S.-China relations, especially in California’s cooperation with China. He said that the current tensions between U.S. and China had not affected the enthusiasm at the U.S. subnational level including California for the cooperation with China. This delegation is composed of elected officials and representatives from economic, trade, science and technology, health, tourism and other fields from California. All of them are looking forward to making contributions to the U.S.-China sub-national cooperation and the bilateral relations at large.        

On October 29, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Othman Almekhlafi, Ambassador of the Republic of Yemen paid a visit to the CPAFFC . Ambassador Almekhlafi briefed on the situation of the Al Mahrah province stricken by the Tropic Storm Luban. According to him, infrastructure of the afflicted area was severely damaged and people’s life was seriously affected, hence is now in urgent need of tents, pharmaceuticals and food. Ambassador Almekhlafi therefore hoped that the CPAFFC could help to provide some humanitarian aid to the stricken area. Mr. Li Hai, Deputy Director General of the Department of Asian and African Affairs, expressed his sympathy to the storm-stricken people. He said that the CPAFFC will try its best to coordinate relevant parties for aids to the stricken area. The project manager of the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development also attended the meeting.         Photographed by Gong Xu

On the evening of Oct.25, Vice president Hu Sishe Attended the Opening Ceremony of concert in Commemoration of the 25th anniversary of cooperation between CPAFFC and Villa Musica. State Secretary of the Ministry of Science, Lifelong Learning and Culture of Rhineland-Palatinate Dr.Salvatore Barbaro, Managing Director of Rhineland-Palatinate Villa Musica Foundation Dr. Karl Boeman,  President of Federation of German-Chinese Friendship Association (German: Arbeitsgemeinschaft Deutscher China-gesellschaften, or ADCG) Mr.Kurt Karst, deputy Consul-General of the Chinese Consulate General in Frankfurt Ms.Sun Ruiying. Mr. Hu noted in his speech that the cooperation between CPAFFC and Villa Musica dates back to the year of 1993. The past 25 years witnessed establishment and growth of the Exchange Program between Chinese and German Young Musicians, which enjoyed great popularity and applause among Chinese and German audience. All the cultural exchanges drew nearer the distance of the two peoples and increased their fondness toward each other. Vice President Hu Sishe delivered a Speech Dr.Salvatore Barbaro, State Secretary of the Ministry of Science, Lifelong Learning and Culture of Rhineland-Palatinate extended his thanks to CPAFFC for its great support for all the exchanges and cooperation between CPAFFC and Villa Musica. He mentioned that in the past 25 years, it is music that links our two organizations, musicians and people of the two countries together. In this commemoration concert,the audience will have the opportunity to appreciate the charm of traditional Chinese instruments. He believes that the co-performance of musicians from the two countries will serve as the best proof of Sino-German friendship as well as friendship between our two organizations.   Dr.Salvatore Barbaro, State Secretary of the Ministry of Science, Lifelong Learning and Culture of Rhineland-Palatinate Delievered A Speech Mr.Kurt Karst, president of Federation of ADCG said in his speech emotively that he was fortunate enough to witness the beginning of the bilateral cooperation 25 years ago. As abundant achievements have been made in the past 25 years, he extended gratitude to the guests including Mr. Hu Sishe present at the opening ceremony for their continuous cooperation with ADCG and Wiesbaden-Mainz Germany-China Friendship Association. He said that it was the unremitting cooperation that further increased mutual trust and understanding and deepened Sino-German friendship. Mr.Kurt Karst, president of ADCG Delivered a Speech After speeches, five musicians from Shaanxi Broadcasting Chinese Orchestra performed Quintet, Pipa Solo, Erhu Solo and co-performed classic pieces of music like Butterfly Lovers and Gardenia with the German musicians from Villa Musica. The audience appreciated the concert highly.  During the visit of the Chinese Orchestra to Germany, they will also host concerts in Schloss Engers, Herdorf, Schloss Hambach and so on.        

Director General Zhang Heqiang met with the delegation of the Children of the Doolittle Raiders (CDR) from the United States on October 23rd. Director General Zhang regarded the Doolittle Raiders as a symbol of Chinese and American people fighting together against fascist aggressors. He hoped that CPAFFC and CDR could make joint efforts in promoting China-US friendship and cooperation, so as to further enhance world peace and prosperity. Jeff Thatcher, President of CDR, thanked CPAFFC for the great hospitality and expressed the willingness to pass on the Doolittle legacy and help increasing mutual understanding and friendship between the people of our two countries.        

On 23rd October, co-organized by CPAFFC and Konrad-Adenauer Foundation, the 6th Sino-German Urbanization Symposium was held in Xuchang, Henan. Present at the Symposium were Mr. Zhang Yazhong, Vice Chairman of Henan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Mr. Song Jingwu, Vice President of CPAFFC, Mr. Bernhard Kaster, former senior member of Germany's Bundestag, Mr. Torsten Schweiger, member of Germany's Bundestag, Mr. Gunther Schartz, Chief Executive of the Trier-Saarburg Region, Germany, etc. Experts and scholars from the City and Small Town Reform and Development Center of National Development and Reform Commission, and Institute of Intelligent Transportation and Traffic Model of China Institute of Urban Planning and Design, together with business community representative exchanged experiences with German experts on “Challenges and Opportunities for Smart Cities”. Mr. Song Jingwu said in his speech, that the Sino-German Urbanization Symposium is a brand mechanized project between CPAFFC and Konrad-Adenauer Foundation. Germany’s smart city construction based on local conditions and synergistic opening guarantees efficient and sustainable urbanization. Mr. Schweiger said that China’s application of advanced technologies such as big data, wireless networks and Internet of Things is in the forefront of the world and is worth learning from Germany.          

  On October 22, the CPAFFC Vice President Mme. Lin Yi met with Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II, the traditional leader in Nigeria. Mme. Lin Yi extended her warm welcome to His Highness Emir for visiting China again. She said that last year, Emir visited China at the invitation of the CPAFFC, during which the two sides had made useful attempts in promoting China-Nigeria exchanges in areas like local government, trade and education. She expects that the CPAFFC will maintain contact with Emir to jointly deepen the pragmatic cooperation in all areas between China and Nigeria. Emir of Kano recalled with delight his visit to China last year. He expressed his willingness to actively exert his influence as a traditional leader, in order to enhance Nigeria-China cooperation in trade, agriculture, production capacity, vocational training etc,. The two sides also exchanged views on hotspot issues such as China-US trade conflicts. H.E. Mr. Baba Ahmad Jidda, the Nigerian Ambassador to China, and Mr. Li Hai, Deputy Director General of the Department of Asian and African Affairs, was present at the meeting.         Photographed by Zhang Yujun