Chinese Association for International Understanding

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Vice-President Zhang Baowen Visits France, Malta and the UK


Ma Jingjing Research Assistant, CAFIU. Executive Editor of International Understanding At the invitation of Jean Jaures Foundation of France, the Maltese Parliament and the 48 Group Club, Mr. Zhang Baowen, Vice-Chairperson of the Standing Committee of NPC, Chairman of the Central Committee of China Democratic League and Vice-President of CAFIU visited France, Malta and the UK from April 6 to 15. Vice-President Ai Ping and Secretary-General Ni Jian accompanied the visit. The visit of Vice-President Zhang is intended to enhance mutual understanding and trust among the peoples and consolidate people-to-people friendship of the three countries through the channels of government, parliament, NGO and think tank. During the visit to France, Mr. Zhang met with Mme. Sandrine Mazetier, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Herve Marseille, Deputy Speaker of the French Senate and Mr. Serge Degallaix, advisor to the President of Vision and Innovation Foundation. He also attended China-France NGO Roundtable Discussion of 2017 Understanding and Cooperation Dialogue cohosted by CAFIU and Jean Jaures Foundation, and discussed topics concerning ways to strengthen understanding and cooperation with representatives from France-China Committee of Employers. During his visit to Malta, Vice-President Zhang met with President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, Speaker Angelo Farrugia and Foreign Minister George William Vella. He also attended a piano concert commemorating the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Malta, visited the Confucius Institution of Malta University and talked with some teachers and students representatives. During his visit to the UK, Vice-President Zhang met with Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons Mr. Lindsay Hoyle, attended China-UK NGO Roundtable Discussion of 2017 Understanding and Cooperation Dialogue co-hosted by CAFIU, the 48 Group Club and Asia House, and exchanged views with Professor Ewan McKendrick, the Registrar of Oxford on topics concerning global economic governance and China-UK cooperation. During his visit, Vice-President Zhang introduced in particular the “Belt and Road” initiative and the “Belt and Road” Forum for International Cooperation. He said that over the past three years since the proposal of the initiative, over 100 countries and international organizations have expressed support and positive feedback, and the friend circle of China is expanding. China’s investment to the “Belt and Road” partners has amounted to over 50 billion USD and is still on the rise. Several major projects have been set up, which invigorates the economic development of relevant countries and creates a great number of jobs. The “Belt and Road” Forum for International Cooperation is the forum of the highest level since the proposal of the initiative, and is substantial in promoting international and regional cooperation. China is willing to work together with relevant parties to lay a solid foundation for long-term and beneficial cooperation and create a bright future through joint contribution to the “Belt and Road” initiative. Besides, Vice-President Zhang also introduced President Xi’s thoughts on globalization and building a community of shared future. He said that the contemporary world is faced with unprecedented serious challenges as well as problems such as the lack of growing incentives, underdeveloped economic governance and imbalanced development. It requires the long-term and joint efforts of relevant countries to maintain peace, encourage reconciliation and restore stability. The visit has achieved a lot and met the original expectations. The Ambassadors to the three respective countries have attended some of the events.