The Fifth China-Arab Friendship Conference held for two days came to an end in Beijing on November 7th. This conference was jointly organized by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), China-Arab Friendship Association (CAFA), League of Arab States (LAS) and Federation of Arab-China Friendship Association (FACFA). Its theme is “nongovernmental cooperation of the countries assistance the commonly building of The Belt and Road Initiatives”. Around 150 personages including Mr. Arken Imirbaki, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and President of China-Arab Friendship Association (CAFA), Mme. Lin Yi, Vice President of CPAFFC, and leaders from twelve Arab friendly organizations, representatives from LAS and FACFA, Arab diplomatic envoys in China and representatives from the relevant Chinese institutions, local friendship associations as well as enterprises, attended the conference. Leaders from various friendly organizations sent their warmest congratulations on the successful convening of the 19th National Congress of Communist Party of China (CPC) and applauded that Comrade Xi Jinping was elected as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee for the second term. They also spoke highly of the achievements China had obtained during the reform and opening up, and the building of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the past five years under the leadership of Communist Party of China. The conference passed 《A Joint Declaration of the Fifth China and Arab Friendship Conference》. The members expressed that they would like to support the Belt and Road Initiatives, strengthen the civilization and the youth exchanges of the countries, and develop the pragmatic cooperation in various fields so as to promote the common prosperity and development between China and Arab countries.  

Director General Zhang Heqiang of the Department of American and Oceanian Affairs met with an LA delegation headed by Tom Gilmore, Chairman of SCOLA, on November 7. Jeff Gorell, Deputy Mayor of LA and Fabiola Vilchez, President and Executive Director of SCOLA, also attended the meeting. Director General Zhang briefed the delegation on the role CPAFFC played in China-U.S. Sister Cities interaction. He said, LA as an important American city had been a leader in cooperation with China. The Tripartite Economic Alliance of LA, Guangzhou and Oakland has set an preeminent example for cooperation between international Sister Cities. He hoped LA continue to play a constructive role in promoting China-U.S. sub-national cooperation. Chairman Gilmore expressed his appreciation to the work that CPAFFC has done to promote LA’s cooperation with China. He hoped to expand LA’s connection with China by enhancing friendly communications with Hangzhou and Chengdu. Deputy Mayor Gorell said, his first visit to China had impressed him profoundly. He hoped to learn more about China, making his own contributions to strengthening LA’s ties with China.

Over 100 heavy-hitters from upwards of 30 countries give talk on global philanthropy development Second “World Philanthropy Forum” Is Slated to Be Held in Beijing The Second “World Philanthropy Forum”, jointly organized by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and Tsinghua University, is slated to be held in Beijing on November 29-30, 2017. The theme of this forum is “Collaboration”. Over 100 heavy-hitters from upwards of 30 countries will engage into seven high-end dialogues and four parallel forums on such topics as strategies for women and children’s health, anti-poverty and social governance, youth development, social influence investment, green cooperation, foundation industry governance and cooperation, charity and social services by Chinese people at home and abroad and “Belt and Road”, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and international social organizations. According to the organizers, the forum will be attended by the heads of such organizations as Ford Foundation, Oxfam, Junior Achievement, Greenpeace, Rockefeller Foundation, British Children's Investment Foundation, British Children's Investment Foundation, Roberson Foundation Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee, Global Funders’ Network, World Vision International, World Resources Institute, Tata Trust, Asia Foundation, Give2Asia, Mercy Corps, Center for Asian Philanthropy and Society, The Association of Philanthropy Indonesia, Environmental Defense Fund, The Nature Conservancy and China Center for International Knowledge on Development. Moreover, Julia Gillard, Chair of Global Partnership for Education and former Australian Prime Minister; Helle Thorning-Schmidt, President of the Save the Children and former Prime Minister of Denmark and guests from Russia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, et al. will deliver speeches or take part in dialogues. The second World Philanthropy Forum is jointly organized by the Institute for Philanthropy Tsinghua University, Tsinghua University Social Work Education Center, and China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development. Upholding the philosophy of the first World Philanthropy Forum, this forum will continue to focus on the sharing of experience, academic exchange, policy advocacy and practice concerning public charity and social services around the world, and promote exchange, cooperation, development and personnel training among colleagues in public charity and social work in China and the world; focus on, promote and implement the people’s livelihood projects and people-to-people communication under the Belt and Road Initiative and South-South cooperation framework; and actively implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals and promote the building of the community of shared future. In order to expand participation, reach consensus and promote cooperation, the forum will invite representatives in the academia, business circles, political and social organizations to form a diversified and cross-regional consultancy mechanism and partnership mechanism for the World Philanthropy Forum. At the same time, it will also prepare the academic leadership mechanism to lay a foundation for the forum’s global, academic and development nature. At this forum, the first list of invited consultants and forum partners will be confirmed. It is understood that this forum will also hold public charity and social services collaboration forums concurrently, release the Beijing Declaration on Promoting the Building of the Community of Shared Future and create the Community of Shared Future: public charity and social services collaboration, launch Social Work Cooperation Mechanism for Chinese People”, and announce the overseas location and main agenda for the 2018 forum.   The participants will adopt the participation mechanism whereby guests are selected through invitation and public enrollment. The public enrollment will commence through the public WeChat official account “World Philanthropy Forum”  from November 6 to 13. Please stay tuned. World Philanthropy Forum

A reception celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Russia-China Friendship Association was held grandly in Beijing by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and China-Russia Friendship Association (CRFA) on November 6th, 2017. Mr. Song Jingwu, the Vice President of CPAFFC and the Vice President of CRFA hosted the reception. Mr. Chen Yuan, the Vice Chairman of National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and the President of CRFA, Mr. D. Mezentsev, Member of Russia Federation Council (RFC) and Chairman of Russia-China Friendship Association (RCFA), Mr. A. Denisov, Ambassador of Russian Embassy in China, delivered speeches respectively. Nearly 100 Chinese and Russian friendly personages from all walks of life including Mr. Li Huilai, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Ministry, Mr. Wu Tao, former Ambassador of Chinese Embassy in Russia, Mr. I. Tazhetdinov, Vice Premier of Republic of Bashkortostan of Russia, Mr. S. Ivanov, Vice Governor of Tambov, Mr.TYRTSEV, Vice Governor of Amurskaya Oblast, attended the reception. On the behalf of CRFA, Vice Chairman Chen Yuan expressed warm congratulations on the 60th anniversary of the establishment of RCFA in his speech. He said that the friendship between China and Russia for 60 years is inseparable from the great foresight and the pioneering of the former leaders in RCFA, and also the hard-working and the spirit of devotion of the older generation from friendship associations, as well as the actively taking part in and support from the Chinese and Russian friendly personages from all walks of life. Two heads of states speaking highly of the RCFA fully reflected the high attention they paid to the two friendly associations and the fully affirmation they gave on the people-to-people exchanges promoting the development of bilateral relations. The remarkable 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China had come to an end successfully, which determined the direction for China’s development and provided a huge space to develop for the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia. The two friendly associations should remain true to our original aspiration and keep our mission firmly in mind, continue to strengthen the exchange and the cooperation of the two countries in the fields of people-to-people, humanity, locality, youth and etc., inherit the friendship of the two countries, tamp down the social and public support for the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia, so as to make more contribution to the development of the bilateral relations. Chairman D. Mezentsev said that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Putin sent congratulation letters respectively and Chairwoman of Russia Federation Council (RFC) Valentina Matviyenko attended and delivered a speech on  the conference commemorating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of RCFA in Bolshoi Theater in October this year, which fully shows the friendship of the two peoples. He expressed appreciation for the commemorative activity held by the Chinese side in Beijing. A.Denisov pointed out that the commemorative activity of the 60th anniversary of the founding of RCFA was held in Russia and China in succession, which means a new era for RCFA. At present, the bilateral relations has reached the highest level in history, which is inseparable from the personal friendship to mutual trust between the two heads of states, and also the extensive supports from the two peoples. The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China is remarkable. Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev, the Prime Minister of Russia, was the first foreign head to visit China after the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which again proved the high level development of China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership and more opportunities the bilateral relations will confront. On the reception, the young actors from the two countries performed dances, martial art, face-changing and etc.. The activity was grand and warm, lively and friendly. CCTV, Xinhua News Agency, China News Service (CNS), China Radio International (CRI), China National Radio (CNR), People’s network, China.org.cn and other media reported this activity.     RCFA was founded in October, 1957. Mr. Chen Yuan, the Vice Chairman of National Committee of CPPCC and the President of CRFA, led a delegation to pay special visit to Russia to attend the conference commemorating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of RCFA.

The Opening Ceremony of Peruvian Gastronomy Festival jointly organized by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), Peru-China Culture Association (PCCA), Peruvian Embassy in China and Comisión de Promoción del Perú para la Exportación y el Turismo (PROMPERú) was held in Beijing on November 1st, 2017. Mr. Xie Yuan, Vice President of CPAFFC, attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech. Over 150 Chinese and Foreign guests including Mr. Juan Carlos Capunay Chavez, Ambassador of Peruvian Embassy in China, Mme. Teresa Hoo, Secretary General of PCCA and General Manager of Peru-China Chamber Commerce (PCCC), attended the dinner. Vice President Xie Yuan said in his speech that, the bilateral relations had maintained long-term stable and healthy development, and also the people-to-people and culture exchanges had grown increasingly since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Peru 46 years before. The opening ceremony of Peruvian Gastronomy Festival today is another good example to indicate the friendly cooperation and closely exchange between the two countries. Peruvian culture is diversification and compatibility. In particular, Peruvian food culture is more famous in the world. From year 2012 to 2016, Peru had been selected as “Best Gastronomy Destination of the World” from “Travel Award of the World” for five consecutive years. The wisdom of Peruvian people was opened by gastronomy, which also make people across the world learn more about the compatibility of multi-culture. Ambassador Juan Carlos Capunay Chavez and Secretary General Teresa Hoo expressed their appreciations respectively in their speeches for great support CPAFFC had given in organizing this activity and contributions it had made to promote the cultural exchange between the two countries for a long time. This Gastronomy Festival would be held in Hilton in Beijing and in Sofitel in Xi’an for two weeks. Mr. Flavio Solorzano Alvarez, the famous chef from Peru, would provide Peruvian unique food for Chinese people who could experience a bite of Peru at close range.

On October 30, 2017, Vice President Hu Sishe met with delegation of EU-China Friendship Group of European Parliament led by Chairman Mr. Nirj Deva. Hu extended warm welcome to the delegation. The two sides exchanged views on the development of China-EU relations and people-to-people friendship. Hu also briefed the delegation on the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. After the meeting, Mr. Deva delivered a special report on Brexit in CPAFFC. Ms. Zhang Ruoning, Deputy Director General of Department of European and Asian Affairs, attended the meeting.  

Opening ceremony of “ Mr. Xiao Han Art Museum”was held in Wuhu, Anhui province on October 29.  More than 300 artists from all over China including Mr. Li Xikui, Secretary General of Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), Mr. He Maoxie,  Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee and Mayor of Wuhu, Anhui province, Mr. He Xian, former vice minister of Human Resources and Social Security Ministry, Mr. Yuan Hua, Director General of Culture Department of Anhui province, Mr. Duan Yujia, Director General of Publicity Department of Wuhu, Anhui province, Mr. Wu Xiangming, President of Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese in Anhui province, attended the opening ceremony and visited the exhibition. Secretary General Li Xikui said in his speech that Mr. Xiao Han is the third generation of painters toured Germany after Xu Beihong, Lin Fengmian, Zhang Daqian, Fu Baoshi and other older artists. Mr. Xiao Han created the painting technique of "Putting color in Chinese traditional painting", which enjoyed reputation in foreign and domestic. He imports the western painting technique and style into Chinese traditional painting, which shows the Chinese people’s desires for arts. It can be described as "the lights of endless color, the spirits of ink fusion, the feelings of modern calligraphy". Mr. Xiao Han is the founder of "product colored in Chinese traditional painting", who lived in Germany in 1989. His works were exhibited at several art museums and galleries in Germany. After he came back to China in 2002, He committed himself to promote Western painting skills into traditional Eastern painting works, and devoted himself to the art innovation, the people’s diplomacy and the art cultural exchanges. He also held his personal art exhibitions and academic seminars in some famous China Art Museums, such as National Art Museum of China, Art Museum of Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. At present he is the president of the China professionals Research Institute Art specialists Association and the deputy dean of China Friendship Art Exchange Association. The excellent paintings of Xiao Han from the youth until now are collected in Xiao Han Art Museum. The museum is the first art museum in Wuhu, and will be opened to the public for free. It is a local cultural event, which has great and significant meaning. After the opening ceremony, the guests and artists visit the paintings in Museum.  

On October 26th, jointly held by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), Delegation Office of Alliance fran?aise in China and Mongolia and Alliance fran?aise of Beijing, the Fourth “Autumn of Romance” French Culture Season Opening Ceremony & Press Conference was opened in the CPAFFC. Vice President of the CPAFFC Hu Sishe, Ambassador of Algeria to China Ahcene Boukhelfa, Delegation General of Alliance fran?aise in China and Mongolia Thierry Lasserre, and many other diplomats in China from France, Belgium, Tunisia and Algeria, along with more than a hundred of guests from culture, education, business fields and news media attended the event.  Vice President Hu Sishe met with honoured guests Vice President Hu Sishe delivered a speech at the press conference Mr. Hu noted in his speech that as one of the important bridges of people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries around the world, the CPAFFC cordially welcomes western cultures, as a goodwill envoy, come to China, to meet Chinese culture, to cement a deep friendship with Chinese people and to create a panorama of pluralistic interaction of human exchanges. After the press conference, Mr. Hu took an exclusive interview with NETEASE..  Thierry Lasserre, Delegation General of Alliance fran?aise in China and Mongolia, delivered a speech Mr. Thierry Lasserre pointed out in his speech that in 1883, three founders together set three major goals of Alliance fran?aise. The first goal is to promote French, the second is to get more people to understand French culture and the third is to further dialogue between civilizations. It is through this idea that we can better know each other, just like the slogan goes, “Culture is the best weapon for mass education”.  Opening Ceremony The opening ceremony consisted of press conference and Q&A, introducing events that this year’s culture season has to domestic and foreign media. At the ceremony, two French teachers from Alliance fran?aise brought romantic Kizomba dance to the audience. Besides, it also held an exclusive performance brought by Hot Club of Beijing at the cocktail party. Q&A between journalists and event organizers  French teachers gave a Kizomba dance   Jazz performance at the cocktail party  NETEASE interviewed Mr. Hu, Vice President of the CPAFFC This year’s “Autumn of Romance” French Culture Season continues till December, whose events include classical concerts, master classes, master meet-and-greet, workshops, lectures and French Christmas fair and so on, bringing to Chinese audience multi-experience of French countries’ art and romantic feelings. Among classic concert events, the CPAFFC and Alliance fran?aise will together hold a piano recital with the theme of “To Love-My Heart among Your Fingers” at the theater of National Museum of China on November 12th, which is given by the world-renowned Belgian pianist, Olivier De Spiegeleir, who will redefine the infinite charm of music and poems.  

On October 26th, Vice President Hu Sishe met with Canadian delegates from Culture Shawinigan. He talked with Mr. Bryan Pérreault, Director General of the organization, about promoting the exchanges of performing arts and literature between China and Canada. Culture Shawinigan is a non-profit cultural organization established by the city of Shawinigan, Quebec,and committed to presenting shows and exhibitions to the general public. In March 2017, it invited the CPAFFC to send a shadow play troupe to participate in Passporte Pour la Chine, an annual event hosted by the organization, which was highly praised by local audience and media. Invited by the CPAFFC, representatives from Culture Shawinigan visited Beijing, Xi’an, Qingyang city of Gansu Province, and Fuzhou city of Jiangxi Province on their exploration of art forms of Daoqing shadow puppetry, Nuo Opera, Kunqu Opera, and contemporary dance. They also visited Xi’an Broadcasting and TV station, discussing cooperative programs. Bryan Pérreault is a Canadian author of Amos Daragon, fantasy fiction series popular in North America and widely translated around the globe. He is also engaged in stage show production.

On the afternoon of October 26th, Mr. Hu Sishe, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), accepted NETEASE’s exclusive interview. Vice President Hu answered questions asked by the host Cao Dandan about the CPAFFC’s major work, cultural events, culture propagation and language among others. The video view of the program reached 920 thousand on its first transmission, with a total view volume being nearly 1.14 million. NETEASE live broadcast is NETEASE’s primary strategy program of this year, and many of its live broadcast shows in the past have reached the top level in the trade, widely enjoying a rather favorable reputation. To watch the interview, please visit the website: http://live.163.com/room/158931.html