Li Bin, vice chairwoman of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and CSCLF chairperson, led a delegation to visit the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore from Nov. 21 to 30. During the visit, the delegation met with government officials, scholars, and youth leaders from the three countries to promote cultural exchanges and cooperation.
In the Philippines, Li Bin met with former Philippine President and Chairperson Emeritus of the Association for Philippines-China Understanding (APCU) Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Li Bin said that China and the Philippines are neighboring countries with a long history of friendly exchanges. She expressed the foundation's willingness to work with the Philippines to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, sports, and technology, and to carry on the spirit of Soong Ching Ling.
Macapagal-Arroyo welcomed Li's visit and highlighted the role of the APCU in promoting friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Impressed by China's achievements, she said that there are many valuable lessons to be learned from China and expressed hope for continued youth development cooperation.
During her stay in the Philippines, Li also met with Larry Villareal, founding chairman of the Philippine Soong Ching Ling Foundation, witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on public welfare cooperation between the two foundations, visited Bahay Tsinoy, Museum of Chinese in Philippine Life, and attended the China-Philippines cultural exchange event. Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian and CSCLF Secretary-general Zhang Jiming were also at present.
In Malaysia, Li met with Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, chairman of the Malaysia Peace Foundation and former deputy prime minister, and Alice Lau Kiong Yieng, deputy speaker of the Dewan Rakyat II.
Li said that the two countries have a long history of friendship and cooperation, dating back to the time of Zheng He's voyages to the Western Seas. Noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Malaysia comprehensive strategic partnership and that next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, she expressed her willingness to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Malaysian institutions, consolidate political trust, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and actively carry out communication and cooperation in the fields of youth development, culture and art, and public welfare and charity. She said that this would help promote the building of a global community of shared future between the two countries.
Wan Azizah Wan Ismail highly praised China's achievements and experience in poverty alleviation and building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and expressed appreciation for the CSCLF's rich and colorful youth exchange and cultural events. She expressed the hope that the two sides would work together in the fields of people-to-people diplomacy, women and children's development, public welfare cooperation, and youth exchange.
Alice Lau Kiong Yieng said that the two countries enjoy shared values, integrated interests and cultural affinity. She expressed the hope that the two sides would further strengthen cooperation in the fields of trade, technology, environmental protection, and cultural communications in the new era, and actively build bridges for friendly cooperation between the two countries.
During her stay in Malaysia, Li also met with Abdul Majid, president of Malaysia-China Friendship Association, attended a performance featuring China-Malaysia youth exchange, an exchange event in memorizing Sun Yat-sen and Soong Ching Ling, the "Inheriting the Spirit of Sun Yat-sen and Promoting Connection among Children" event at Penang Chinese Girls' High School, and visited the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Penang.
In Singapore, Li met with Jessica Tan Soon Neo, deputy speaker of the Parliament of Singapore.
Li said that China and Singapore are friendly neighbors and important partners. She expressed her willingness to continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Singapore, following the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries. She said that the two sides would strengthen strategic communication, deepen high-quality cooperation, and actively carry out project cooperation in the fields of youth exchange and Sun Yat-sen and Soong Ching Ling research.
Jessica Tan Soon Neo hoped that the two sides would strengthen exchanges and cooperation between young people in the fields of digital economy, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence. She said that this would help young people of the two countries explore innovative ideas together and promote the development of both countries.
During her visit to Singapore, Li Bin met with Ho Ching, chairman of Temasek Trust Foundation. They introduced their respective public welfare and exchange projects in the fields of women and children, science and technology innovation, and youth exchange. They also had in-depth discussions on strengthening cooperation and reached an agreement on promoting people-to-people exchanges and people's livelihood cooperation between the two sides.
Li Bin also attended several events to promote cultural and educational exchanges between China and Singapore, including attending the opening ceremony of the "Hello Panda" China-Singapore Youth Painting Exhibition.
(Source: General Office, International Cooperation and Exchange Department)
