Beijing, 2 February 2024(TDI): On Friday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang congratulated the launch of the China-ASEAN Year of People-to-people Exchanges in a letter.
The ten ASEAN countries and China are connected by mountains, rivers, and seas, and have a shared destiny. Their long history of trade has shaped the distinctive character of Asian culture, which embraces diversity and growth.
The exchanges between the people of ASEAN and China reflect their strong ties and their solid basis for facing the future and bridging their differences.
To celebrate and enhance their cultural connection, mutual understanding, and friendship, especially among the young generation, ASEAN and China have declared 2024 as the ASEAN-China Year of People-to-people Exchanges.
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The ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), together with the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of China, has launched the Logo Design Contest for 2024 ASEAN-China Year of People-to-people Exchanges.
The opening ceremony of the Contest took place on 18 December 2023 in Changzhi City, Shanxi Province
In his congratulatory letter Chinese Premier Li Qiang said that China and ASEAN countries share a natural bond of geography and culture, and have a long history of friendly interactions.
He also said that their joint efforts have enriched and diversified the Asian culture.
Moreover, he praised the progress and achievements of the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership, and the steps taken towards building a China-ASEAN community with a shared future.
Chinese Premier expressed his hope that the China-ASEAN Year of People-to-people Exchanges would enhance the mutual trust and friendship between the peoples of both sides, and foster a closer, more peaceful, and more harmonious China-ASEAN community with a shared future.
Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin attended the ceremony held in Fuzhou, southeast China’s Fujian Province, and read Li’s letter.
Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, who is also the current ASEAN chair, sent a congratulatory letter to the ceremony as well.
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