President Li Xiaolin Visits the Kingdom of Spain and the Portuguese Republic
At the invitation of World Leadership Alliance?and?Liga da Multissecular Amizade Portugal-China, Mme. Li Xiaolin, President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), led a delegation to visit Spain?and?Portugal from March 7 to 13, 2019.
During in Spain, President Li Xiaolin met respectively with Mrs. María Agüero, Secretary General of World Leadership Alliance, Mr. Juan Lladó, President of Spain-China Council Foundation, Mrs. Ana Sálomon, Director General for Asia?and?the Pacific, Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European?union?and Cooperation, Mr. Manuel Valencia, Vice President of Técnicas Reunidas International, ex Ambassador of Spain to China. Mr. Lv Fan, Chinese Ambassador to Spain, accompanied part of the meetings.
Mrs. María Agüero, Secretary General of World Leadership Alliance said, “2018 Imperial Springs International Forum” was held successfully last December. Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing with foreign guests who attended the forum. This forum played an active role in promoting the friendly exchange between China?and?other countries, which achieved remarkable results.
President Li Xiaolin said, CPAFFC had been attaching great importance to the cooperation with World Leadership Alliance. We are very happy to see more?and?more personages from all walks of life including former politicians, well-known experts?and?scholars, leaders from business circles give advice on the development of China?and?international hot issues.
Mr. Juan Lladó, President of Spain-China Council Foundation, spoke highly of the contributions CPAFFC had made for a long time to the development of the China-Spain Forum.
President Li Xiaolin expressed, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Spain successfully at the end of November last year, which made great achievements?and?opened a new chapter in the comprehensive strategic partnership between China?and?Spain. CPAFFC would continue promoting the exchanges?and?cooperation with Spain in various fields?and?would actively help to organize the Ninth Session of the China-Spain Forum in China this year.
During in Portugal, President Li Xiaolin met respectively with Mr. Eurico Dias, Secretary of State for Internationalisation Affairs of Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Mendes, Vice Secretary General of Portuguese Socialist Party,Mr. José Luis Pinto Ramalho, President of Liga da Multissecular Amizade Portugal-China. Mr. Cai Run, Chinese Ambassador to Portugal accompanied part of meetings.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between China?and?Portugal,?and?the 20th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland. Both sides spoke highly of the development of Sino-Portuguese relations?and?had an in-depth discussion on topics including how to further strengthen the exchanges?and?cooperation in the fields of humanity?and?culture as well as local governments of the two countries,?and?commonly promote people-to-people connectivity under the framework of the Belt?and?Road. They also exchanged views on cooperation plans of both sides in the future.
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
President Li Xiaolin Meets with Global Fund Executive Director Peter Sands
Li Xiaolin, President of the CPAFFC?and?Honorary President of China Friendship Foundation for Peace?and?Development (CFFPD), met with Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis?and?Malaria on February 27, 2019.
Li Xiaolin welcomed Peter Sands?and?his delegation. She briefly introduced the missions of the CPAFFC?and?the CFFPD. She said that the CPAFFC is concerned about the development of global health, poverty alleviation?and?common development,?and?hopes to work with the Global Fund to find solutions to the global issues of major infectious diseases?and?build an effective system of healthcare?and?disease prevention?and?control with the experiences of the Global Fund. She also discussed the possibility of establishing long-term strategic partnership between the CPAFFC?and?the Global Fund,?and?invited Peter Sands to attend the 4th World Philanthropy Forum to be held in September 2019 in Hong Kong, to share experiences?and?exchange ideas with the participants.
Peter Sands thanked Li Xiaolin for taking the time to meet him?and?spoke highly of the important role of the CPAFFC in promoting non-governmental exchanges?and?the development of charity. He said that the Global Fund attaches great importance to developing friendly relations with China?and?hopes to further promote friendly exchanges?and?pragmatic cooperation under the guidance of the Belt?and?Road Initiative, to help developing countries to end infectious diseases such as AIDS, tuberculosis?and?malaria.
The Global Fund is the world's largest financier of healthcare programs. The Global Fund Secretariat is in Geneva, Switzerland?and?employs about 750 staff, consisting of professionals with backgrounds in medicine, pharmacy, public health, economics?and?finance. The Global Fund was originally hosted by the World Health Organization?and?became an administratively autonomous organization in 2009. It has become an important financier of the healthcare programs of the WHO, the UN agencies?and?developing countries.
?
?
?
?
Photographed by Zhu Jiayi
President Li Xiaolin Meets with Christopher Cox
President Li Xiaolin had a meeting with Christopher Cox, grandson of former U.S. President Richard Nixon?and?vice chairman of BrightSphere Asia Limited on February 25. President Li was delighted at the positive progress made at the latest round of trade talks between China?and?the United States. She reiterated that a sound?and?stable China-U.S. relationship is in line with the global well-being. The two sides should?join?hands in keeping the channels for communication open in areas such as people-to-people exchanges, financial?and?technological cooperation, so as to lay a solid foundation for the future development of the bilateral relations. Cox considered economic?and?trade cooperation as an essential part of the U.S.-China relationship. He hoped that by establishing its Asia headquarter in China, BrightSphere will make positive contribution to the opening-up of China’s financial market, to lift the international competitve edge of the Chinese finance industry,?and?to further promote financial exchange?and?cooperation between the two countries.
?
?
?
?
President Li Xiaolin Visits Japan
At the invitation of Japan-China Friendship Association (JCFA), Mme. Li Xiaolin, President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), visited Tokyo, Japan from February 19 to 23, attending the farewell party for Mr. YONEKURA HIROMASA, an old friend of the Chinese people?and?the former Chairman of the Japan Business Federation. During the visiting, President Li Xiaolin also met with Mr. NIKAI TOSHIHIRO, Director-General of the Liberal Democratic Party, Mr. HAYASHI YOSHIMASA, the President of the Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians’?union?and the former Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science?and?Technology, Mr. KAWAMURA TAKEO, the Chief of Cabinet Secretary of Japan, Mr. HASHIMOTO ITSUO, Vice President of Japan-China Friendship Association?and?other personages from all walks of life. They exchanged views on how to further strengthen the friendly exchanges of the people-to-people of the two countries?and?improve the bilateral relations on the basis of returning to the normal track.
President Li said, last year marked the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Sino-Japanese Peace?and?Friendship Treaty. Chinese President Xi Jinping?and?Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held bilateral?and?multilateral meetings, which played important political leading roles in improving Sino-Japanese relations. Years later, the Prime Ministers of the two countries exchanged visits, after which both sides achieved series of results?and?reached consensuses in various fields. With the common efforts, bilateral ties return to the normal track?and?increasingly being improved. Such hard-won accomplishments need to be cherished. The friendly relations between China?and?Japan are not only in line with the fundamental interests of the two peoples, but also benefit to peace, stability?and?prosperity in Asia?and?even all over the world.
President Li Xiaolin also made an introduction about the exchanges CPAFFC had developed with Japan?and?said CPAFFC would?like?to work with Japanese personages from all walks of life to develop more rich?and?colorful activities in the fields of culture, sports, local, youth?and?etc., so as to make more contributions to cementing public support for the Sino-Japanese relations?and?improve the bilateral ties.
NIKAI TOSHIHIRO said, Japan?and?China are important countries in Asia?and?the world. Sino-Japanese relations have an important exemplary role in peace?and?stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Japan?and?China enjoy a long history of friendly exchanges. Both sides should inherit?and?carry forward the fine tradition of Japan-China friendship,?and?develop the current bilateral relations with wisdom. This year, we plan to promote exchanges in the fields of local governments, youths?and?other fields of the two countries. He hoped that China will give active support?and?assistance in it.
HAYASHI YOSHIMASA said, I am very pleased that last year, the two prime ministers exchanged visits. Since then, Japan-China relations have achieved important improvements. The political?and?economic relations between the two countries also have returned to the right track?and?interacted with each other to form a healthy circle. In the future, we would not forget our original intentions, continue to promote the development of Japan-China relations?and?safeguard the fundamental interests of the two countries?and?peoples.
KAWAMURA TAKEO said , Japan?and?China have the same culture?and?have a good foundation for mutual understanding. Both sides should continue to deepen exchanges in the humanities field. Last year, I took over the post of the president of the newly established group "Japan-China Friendship Culture Exchange Promotion Association". I hoped to vigorously carry out humanities exchanges between the two countries, especially young people,?and?make contributions to enhance the mutual understanding?and?friendly feelings of the two peoples.
Hashimoto Yoshio first conveyed the sincere greetings?and?good wishes from President Uichiro Niwa to President Li. He said that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China,?and?next year will mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Japan-China Friendship Association (JCFA). Over the past 70 years, the JCFA has been committing to promote the development of the cause of the friendship of the two peoples?and?the friendly relations of the two countries. In the future, we are willing to continue to work hard to promote people-to-people exchanges?and?cooperation of the two countries. We believed that Japan-China friendship will have a bright?and?expected future.
On the 20th, President Li attended the farewell party for Mr. YONEKURA HIROMASA, the former Chairman of the Japan Business Federation?and?the former adviser of Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.. On behalf of CPAFFC, President Li expressed deep condolences to the death of YONEKURA HIROMASA?and?also sincere condolences to his wife, YONEKURA KAZUE,?and?TOKURA MASAKAZU, President of Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.,?and?spoke highly of the cherished contributions YONEKURA HIROMASA had made to Sino-Japanese relations during his lifetime.
YONEKURA HIROMASA was friendly to China during his lifetime. In 2012, he was conferred the title of China-Japan Friendship Ambassador by the China-Japan Friendship Association.?
?
?
?
?
?
?
President Li Xiaolin Attends the Symposium on China-Japan Cultural Exchanges
On February 22, President Li Xiaolin attended the Symposium on China-Japan Cultural Exchanges, which was jointly hosted by the CPAFFC?and?the Japan-China Peace Development Promotion Association, during her visit to Japan. She exchanged ideas with Yukio Hatoyama, former Prime Minister of Japan, Hirono Shinichi, Managing Director of Shueisha Inc., Kazuhiko Oshida, Chair of Board of Trustees of Tokyo Fuji Art Museum, Hirayama Ren, Director of Hirayama Ikuo Silk Road Museum,?and?Chen Jianzhong, Chairman of the Board of KOUZAN Fine-arts Company, learning about their opinions?and?suggestions on China-Japan cultural exchanges as well as plans for future cooperation based on the experiences of the cultural exchanges between the two countries.
Li Xiaolin introduced the influential large-scale cultural events co-hosted by the CPAFFC?and?various Japanese partners. She said the exhibition of Chinese Characters: A Legacy?and?Marvel Perfected Over Three Millennia?and?the dance drama Crested Ibises were put on show in many cities in Japan?and?received warm welcome from all walks of life in Japan, attracting hundreds of thousands of audiences?and?arousing great resonance. Since last year, a series of high-profile Japanese cultural exhibitions, such as Exhibition of Silk Road Antiques from Hirayama Ikuo Collection, Exhibition of 500 Years of Western Paintings Collections of Tokyo Fuji Art Museum, Touring Exhibition of Hello ONE PIECE, have also been put on show in China?and?received unprecedented interest from the audiences. These events not only brought senses of nostalgia, classics, fashion?and?vitality to the Chinese?and?Japanese audiences, but also effectively promoted China-Japan cultural exchanges?and?mutual learning?and?further enhanced mutual understanding?and?friendship between the two countries.
She said that while continuing to promote the above-mentioned flagship activities in 2019, the CPAFFC will endeavor to make the documentary “Traditional Chinese Medicine, New World” in Japan, so as to spread the philosophy?and?culture of TCM to the world. In addition, the Chinese?and?Japanese Calligraphy Masterpieces Exhibition with the theme of the Belt?and?Road Initiative will be held in Japan in the second half of this year.
Participants present at the symposium expressed their opinions on the exchanges they were involved in. They thanked the CPAFFC for its support for Japan-China cultural exchanges over the years?and?expressed their willingness to work harder to contribute to the cultural exchanges?and?friendship between the two countries.
Li Xiaolin thanked them for their efforts in cultural exchanges between the two countries?and?encouraged them to make more efforts. She stressed that it is not easy for China-Japan relations to return to normal?and?the current state of bilateral relations should be cherished. In order to consolidate the achievements of China-Japan exchanges, the CPAFFC will promote the exchanges between the two countries in the fields of local government, culture?and?youth this year,?and?is looking forward to the support from all the participants.
In his speech, Yukio Hatoyama said that the political relations between Japan?and?China are improving but still not stable. It is precisely because of the continuous cultural exchanges that have helped improve the political relations between the two countries. He believes that the CPAFFC's commitment to Japan-China cultural exchanges is very important?and?fruitful. He sincerely hopes that this year's bilateral relations?and?friendly exchanges will be further enhanced, for which he is willing to do his best.
?
?
?
?
?
?
President Li Xiaolin Meets with H.E. Mr. Rafael Dezcallar, the Spanish Ambassador to China
On January 31, Mme. Li Xiaolin, President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with H.E. Mr. Rafael Dezcallar, the Spanish Ambassador to China.
President Li Xiaolin extended welcome to the Ambassador H.E. Mr. Rafael Dezcallar for visiting CPAFFC, she said that both sides are countries with a long history?and?splendid civilization,?and?the traditional friendship between the two sides has lasted for a long time. China attaches great importance to developing friendly relations with Spain. The CPAFFC is willing to strive together with the Spanish Embassy in China, to further promote exchange?and?cooperation between the two countries.
The Ambassador H.E. Mr. Rafael Dezcallar thanked President Li Xiaolin for taking time to meet them?and?spoke highly of the efforts?and?positive contributions CPAFFC has made for the long-term development of Sino-Spanish friendship. He said that, at the end of November last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping successfully visited Spain. This visit achieved fruitful results,?and?opened a new chapter for Sino-Spanish Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Both sides also exchanged views on the celebration of the ninth China-Spain Forum.
Mr. Song Jingwu, Vice President of CPAFFC, Mr. Shen Xin, Director General of Department of European?and?Asian Affairs of CPAFFC, Mr. Lv Hongwei, Deputy Director General of Department of European?and?Asian Affairs of CPAFFC, were present during the meeting.
?
?
?
?
President Li Xiaolin Meets with Chairman of The American Chamber of Commerce in China
President Li Xiaolin held a meeting with Timothy P. Stratford, the newly elected Chairman of The American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham China) on January 7th.
President Li congratulated Chairman Stratford on his new position. She reflected that CPAFFC?and?AmCham China has maintained long-term working relationship. Last year, the two parties signed the MOU for future cooperation. She hoped that the two organizations will deepen the cooperation in terms of economy?and?trade,?and?people to people exchanges, so as to make positive contribution to the sound?and?stable development of the bilateral relations.
Chairman Stratford viewed the US-China relations as of vital importance to the two countries as well as to the world. Though the bilateral relations are faced with challenges for the moment, signs of hope have begun to grow. AmCham China will work closely with CPAFFC in promoting mutual understanding?and?bridging the differences between the two countries.
Vice President Xie Yuan attended the meeting.
?
?
?
?
President Li Xiaolin Meets with and hosts Banquet for Azerbaijan Deputy Prime Minister Ali Akhmedov
Mme. Li Xiaolin, President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with?and?hosted banquet for Mr. Ali Akhmedov, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan,?and?his delegation on the invitation of CPAFFC to attend the Chinese?and?Azerbaijan cultural activity on December 17th, 2018.
President Li Xiaolin extended welcome to Deputy Prime Minister Ali Akhmedov visiting Beijing?and?CPAFFC. She made a brief introduction about the achievements China had made during the reform?and?opening-up in the past four decades,?and?spoke highly of the bilateral relations?and?introduced the cooperative situation between CPAFFC?and?Azerbaijan. President Li also said, Deputy Prime Minister Ali Akhmedov visiting China this time would further push the bilateral ties for improvement.
Deputy Prime Minister Ali Akhmedov thanked President Li Xiaolin for warm reception. He hoped that both sides could continuously engage in the people-to-people exchanges of the two countries?and?promote the all-directional cooperative relations.
Mr. Song Jingwu, Vice President of CPAFFC, Mr. Shen Xin, Director-General of Department of European?and?Asian Affairs of CPAFFC, Mr. Alakbarov, Executive Director of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mr. Muradov, Chairman of Azerbaijan Overseas Affairs Committee, Mr. Zeynalli, Ambassador of Azerbaijan Embassy in China, attended the meeting.
Before the meeting, the delegation accompanied by Vice President Song Jingwu visited the exhibition on the history of CPAFFC.
?
?
?
?
?
?
Photographed by Wen Guangmei
President Li Xiaolin Meets with Special Olympics International Chairman Timothy P. Shriver Delegation
Mme. Li Xiaolin, President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC)?and?Mr. Li Xikui, Secretary General of CPAFFC, met with Mr. Timothy P. Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics International (SOI)?and?his delegation on December 5th, 2018.
President Li Xiaolin extended welcome to the delegation?and?made a brief introduction about CPAFFC. She spoke highly of the active contributions Chairman Timothy P. Shriver had made to the development of the cause of SOI?and?expected to take this exchange as an opportunity?and?strengthened the contact with SOI. CPAFFC?and?CFFPD (China Friendship Foundation for Peace?and?Development) would give a lot of support in charitable activities developed by SOI, so as to benefit more SOI groups at home?and?abroad.
Secretary General Li Xikui briefly introduced CFFPD to the delegation during the meeting. He hoped to strengthen China's international influence by way of sport diplomacy.
Chairman Timothy P. Shriver said, they would?like?to strengthen cooperation with CPAFFC?and?CFFPD to further promote the development of SOI in China.
?
?
?
?