15 May 2008

Dear        

       On behalf of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the China International Friendship Cities Association (CIFCA) and in my own name, I wish to pay my high respect and extend my sincere thanks to local government officials of countries concerned and representatives of international friendship cities organizations that have long been committed to the development of international friendship cities.

       I am pleased to inform you that the year 2008 marks the 35th anniversary of the launch of China’s program of developing international friendship cities. To celebrate this 35th anniversary, we have decided to host the China International Friendship Cities Conference in Beijing from 7 to 10 November. I sincerely invite you to come to Beijing and join us in this event of celebration.

       The theme of the conference is “A harmonious world: friendship, cooperation, peace, development”. Highly influential people and eminent scholars from China and other countries will gather at the conference to discuss ways of achieving sustainable development of international friendship cities through scientific development. The conference will provide a platform for local governments of friendship cities, international friendship cities organizations and agencies and people engaged in the research of management of international friendship cities to exchange ideas, showcase their achievements and discuss issues of shared interest. These activities will promote the exchanges and cooperation between China’s international friendship cities and those in other countries in the world, enable participants to learn from each other’s successful experience, better understand the rules and ways of cooperation and discuss common solutions in coping with challenges.

       Let us join hands and work together for further progress in the development of international friendship cities!

       I look forward to meeting you in Beijing.

 Chen Haosu

                                            President of the CPAFFC

President of the CIFCA                                          
China International Friendship Cities Conference

Program

(Draft)

November 7-10, 2008