President Xi eyes more foreign exchanges

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

Xi 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 organization.

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.

Xi said friendship between peoples is a strength to promote world peace and development, as well as a precondition to realize 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 called on the association to innovate and explore ways to allow for more people-to-people exchanges, and help build more sister cities and promote exchanges between localities.

Xi stressed that China loves peace and will not pursue hegemony. China will insist on a peaceful way of development.

The CPAFFC has established friendly cooperation with more than 500 non-governmental organizations in 157 countries, and helped the establishment of 2,106 sister cities and provinces between China and 133 nations.