Beijing, October 11, 2024 – The Europe Today: Chinese President Xi Jinping met with foreign delegates attending the China International Friendship Conference and the event marking the 70th anniversary of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) on Friday. During the meeting, Xi praised the longstanding dedication of international friends in fostering strong ties with China, emphasizing the pivotal role of people-to-people diplomacy.
The gathering saw President Xi taking a group photograph with the foreign guests and delivering a speech, where he reiterated the significance of grassroots relationships in sustaining stable and long-term international relations. “People-to-people friendship is the foundation for stable and long-term international relations and an unremitting driving force for promoting world peace and development,” Xi noted.
Reflecting on China’s achievements over the past 75 years since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Xi attributed the nation’s success to the solidarity and leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). He pointed out that China’s path to modernization not only benefited its own people but also contributed to global development.
Xi acknowledged the role of the international community in China’s progress, saying, “China’s achievements in various fields would not have been realized without the support of people from other countries.” He highlighted the contributions of foreign enterprises, institutions, and individuals who have actively participated in China’s socialist modernization, bringing about mutual benefits and strengthening friendly exchanges between China and the world.
“We will always remember your important contributions to China and the sincere friendship that has been developed with the Chinese people,” Xi remarked, underscoring China’s gratitude to its international partners.
In his address, President Xi also underscored the current state of global affairs, stating that the world is “at a crossroads in history,” marked by unprecedented changes in a century. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to building a community with a shared future for humanity as the right path forward, encouraging nations to work together to navigate the challenges ahead.
China, Xi concluded, remains eager to enhance its friendly exchanges with all nations, leveraging people-to-people diplomacy to advance global cooperation and peace. Through these efforts, Xi expressed confidence in fostering a more interconnected and harmonious world.
