On September 20, the first Jiangsu-ASEAN Countries’ Civilian Friendship Organizations Exchange Conference, organized by the Jiangsu People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, was held in Yangzhou. The theme of the conference was “Embracing Opportunities of the Times, Focusing on Common Development.” Vice President Qian Wenhua of the Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Kong Lingjun, Director of the Yangzhou Municipal People’s Congress Standing Committee and President of the City’s Friendship Association, and others attended the event and delivered speeches.
Sun Jianwei, President of the Malaysia Jiangsu Entrepreneurs Business Association in Malaysia, attended the conference as a representative of Malaysia’s civilian friendship organizations.
Image 1: Group Photo of the First Jiangsu-ASEAN Countries’ Civilian Friendship Organizations Exchange Conference, President Sun Jianwei (second from the left in the front row)
The purpose of this conference was to better establish an exchange and cooperation mechanism between civilian friendship organizations of Jiangsu and ASEAN countries. Vice President Qian Wenhua pointed out that China shares geographic proximity, friendly ties, economic integration, and a shared destiny with ASEAN countries, and their friendly exchanges have a long history. Historically, both sides have jointly created rich and diverse Asian cultures, leaving behind splendid and shining civilizational treasures. In the new era, under the strategic leadership of President Xi Jinping and the leaders of ASEAN countries, China and ASEAN nations are jointly writing a new chapter of pragmatic cooperation and mutual friendship. China-ASEAN relations have become one of the most successful and dynamic examples of regional cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, and a vivid example of promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. ASEAN is not only an important target for Jiangsu’s “bringing in” efforts but also the most important gathering place for Jiangsu enterprises’ “going out.” It is both a key partner in Jiangsu’s rapidly growing foreign trade and the most active region for cultural exchanges. Civilian organizations are important forces in driving economic and social development, participating in international cooperation, and global governance.
Image 2: President Sun Jianwei (left) Represents the Malaysia Jiangsu Entrepreneurs Business Association to sign a memorandum of friendship and cooperation with the Jiangsu Provincial People’s Association for friendship with foreign countries
At the meeting, the Jiangsu Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, together with representatives from ASEAN civilian friendship organizations, jointly initiated the Yangzhou Initiative, which emphasizes the principles of “Upholding the belief in friendship, advancing hand in hand, daring to innovate, leveraging complementary advantages, daring to explore, building bridges of communication, and assuming responsibility to engage in mutual exchanges and learning, actively playing a civilian role in the healthy and stable development of China-ASEAN relations.” The Jiangsu Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and civilian organizations such as the Malaysia Jiangsu Entrepreneurs Business Association in Malaysia signed a memorandum of friendship and cooperation.
Image 3: President Sun Jianwei (right) and Vice President Qian Wenhua (left) take a commemorative photo together
This meeting reflected the desire to establish closer ties between the people of Jiangsu and ASEAN countries, and explored more practical cooperation and beneficial exchange avenues. It will help strengthen mutual cultural understanding, promote cooperation and development, and further advance the stable and long-term growth of China-ASEAN friendly relations.
