A conference between the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (hereinafter referred to as CPAFFC) and China-friendly organizations in Caribbean area was held virtually on the morning of March 30，2021. Centering on topics such as the friendly communication between China and Caribbean areas, and the tourism development and economic recovery when prevention and control of COVID-19 becomes a normal. All parts reached a consensus on accelerating the establishment of a community with shared future for mankind and agreed to jointly launch Common Initiative of China and China-Friendly Organizations in Caribbean countries.

Lin Songtian, president of CPAFFC, makes a theme speech

Present at the conference were Lin Songtian, president of CPAFFC, and related members of the association, directors of China-friendly organizations in Caribbean countries, directors of Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, Zhou Shu, director and secretary of the leading Party group of Hangzhou Foreign Affairs Office, and Zhang Ansheng, member of the leading Party group of Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism.

Lin said that China and Caribbean countries are not only partners based on equality, mutual respect and benefit, but also sincere, united friends who are willing to help each other as well as a community with shared future facing common challenges and looking for common development. The friendship between the two sides has now become an excellent example of how large and small countries with different history backgrounds, cultures, and social systems respect and help each other for a win-win future. To enhance the friendly communication and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two, Lin also put forward several constructive suggestions: 1. Strengthen capacity building and expand the influence and leadership of friendly organizations; 2. Increase mutual visit between people of both sides to improve friendship, mutual understanding and trust; 3. Pair up the development ideas to accelerate mutual development.

Directors of China-friendly organizations from Jamaica, Barbados, Surinam, Grenada, and other Caribbean countries as well as directors of Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries offered advice and suggestions to deepen the friendly communication between the two sides.

A promotion video named “Window” was played at the conference, showing the “unique charm and fascination” of Hangzhou to foreign countries. Zhang Ansheng shared the specific measures Hangzhou has taken and the successful experience Hangzhou has gained when the prevention and control of COVID-19 becomes a normal.

Window, a promotion video introducing Hangzhou to foreign countries

At last, all parts reached a consensus on launching Common Initiative of China and China-Friendly Organizations in Caribbean countries. Both sides will fight against COVID-19 hand in hand to build a community with shared future, undertake historic responsibility to deal with the challenges caused by climate change, share development opportunities to realize win-win cooperation, and enhance humanistic communication to deepen friendship and mutual trust.