Internal working platform of Yunnan Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries

To serve and support the state's civil diplomacy work, empower local development, the Provincial Foreign Friendship AssociationOn September 18, the second work area meeting of the Friendship Association and Friendship Cities was held in Qujing City. The meeting heard work reports from the foreign affairs offices of Zhaotong, Qujing, Yuxi, and Lijiang, and provided key interpretations and guidance on topics such as the construction of international friendship cities, the management of the "Heart Connected, Yunnan Journey" project, and the compliant use of funds. It further facilitated the provincial-municipal coordination mechanism to ensure policy benefits directly reach the grassroots level.

The conference emphasized that all prefecture-level cities must adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, especially Xi Jinping's thought on diplomacy, and firmly grasp the political nature of public diplomacy work. Compared to the border cities, inland cities such as Zhaotong, Qujing, Yuxi, and Lijiang have solid industrial foundations, rich cultural and tourism resources, and beautiful ecological environments. Therefore, all cities should leverage their own endowments, fully play the important role of the "Four Bridges," adhere to the principle of tailoring to local conditions, and promote the improvement and enhancement of international friendly cities. They should make good use of and revitalize the "Four Good Resources," broaden their thinking, engage in multi-party cooperation, and expand publicity to improve and strengthen characteristic brands such as "Heart Connection Yunnan." They must coordinate development and security, and improve institutional mechanisms to be effective and influential.

Wang Yu, the full-time Vice President of the Provincial Foreign Friendship Association, attended the meeting and delivered a speech. Relevant colleagues from the Provincial Department of Finance, as well as heads of the foreign affairs offices of Zhaotong, Qujing, Yuxi, and Lijiang cities, attended the meeting.