ACC Attended the 11th Conference on ASEAN-China People-to-People Friendship

On 7-8 August 2017, the 11th Conference on ASEAN-China People-to-People Friendship themed “Strengthening ASEAN-China People-to-People Friendship for Safeguarding Peace and Cooperation” was hosted by Cambodia-China Friendship Association in Siem Reap, Cambodia. H.E. Mr. Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister of the Royal Government of Cambodia, H.E. Mme. Gu Xiulian, President of China-ASEAN Association, H.E. Mr. Ek Sam Ol, President of Cambodia-China Friendship Association, and representatives from the governments and friendship associations of ASEAN countries and China, international organizations, NGOs, academics and media, totaling around 600, attended the Conference.

At the opening ceremony, H.E. Mr. Ek Sam Ol highlighted that it was the first time for Cambodia to host such a big event which would provide a useful platform for relevant organizations and friends to exchange views and enhance understanding among them.

H.E. Mme. Gu Xiulian shared three suggestions to build up the people-to-people friendship and promote the building of an ASEAN-China community of common destiny: to explore new ways for people-to-people exchanges and cooperation while keeping in mind the mission of “five pillars”, so as to enhance the public awareness and support of ASEAN-China community of common destiny; to harness the role of friendship organizations as bridge for communication and cooperation, and synergize China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 and development strategies of ASEAN countries, so as to enable the general public to benefit from the regional development; and to expand the circles of friends and build the new pillar of people-to-people exchanges with the youth exchanges at the core.

Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong praised the tremendous effort of China-ASEAN Association and the joint work from relevant partners to make this event happen in Siem Reap Angkor: home of World Cultural Heritage and hospitable people. The China-ASEAN Association’s work has contributed significantly to strengthen people-to-people exchanges, enhance bilateral and multilateral framework with ASEAN countries aimed to promote friendship and deepen cooperation for peace, prosperity and mutual benefit of the people in the region. 2018 will be the 15th anniversary of the establishment of ASEAN-China strategic partnership which has broadened and contributed to the development of Cambodia. He strongly believed that today’s conference will be a key platform to share useful insight, seeking ways to achieve the directions set by the Belt and Road Initiative, enhancing infrastructure development, and strengthening youth-to-youth exchanges.

After the opening ceremony, the representatives delivered keynote speeches at the plenary session on ASEAN-China’s Joint Response to the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as made presentations and interactions at the forums on the topics of “Collective Response to the Belt and Road Strategy”, “Advance ASEAN-China Infrastructure Construction for Safeguarding Peace and Cooperation”, “ASEAN-China Youth Friendship for Safeguarding Peace and Cooperation”, “Promoting ASEAN-China Tourism Development” and “Enhance Urban Planning”. Siem Reap Declaration was adopted by the end of the Conference.

Upon the invitation of Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Ms. Kong Roatlomang, Director of Education, Culture and Tourism Division of ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) attended the event. Director Lomang exchanged views with the relevant participants, briefed them on ACC’s work on pushing forward the development of ASEAN-China relations, and explored the possibility on strengthening future collaboration with people from various sectors.