China eyes more foreign exchanges

Beijing, May 15 (IANS) Chinese President Xi Jinping Thursday called on organisations to increase the role of people-to-people exchanges so that they can contribute more to China's friendship with other countries.

The president made the remarks while addressing a conference marking the 60th anniversary of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), a non-governmental organisation, Xinhua reported.

Xi said the association played an irreplaceable role in promoting China's friendship with other countries.

Its development showcased the power of people-to-people engagement in promoting world peace and development, and its important role in China's overall diplomacy, he added.

The Chinese president said friendship between peoples is a strength to promote world peace and development, as well as a pre-condition to realise win-win cooperation.

Peoples in all countries should strengthen friendly exchanges and join hands in the face of a complicated international situation and severe global challenges, he added.