China Central Asia Friendship Association (CCAFA) set up

December 19, 2007 

China sets up the China Central Asia Friendship Association (CCAFA), a non-governmental association aimed at promoting friendship and exchanges between China and Central Asia and their peoples, Dec. 18, 2007.  [Xinhua Photo]

China on Tuesday set up the China Central Asia Friendship Association (CCAFA), a non-governmental association aimed at promoting friendship and exchanges between China and Central Asia and their peoples.

The founding conference of CCAFA invited Ismail Amat, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, as the honorary president, and elected Zhang Deguang, former vice foreign minister and former secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, as its president.

Ismail Amat said at the conference that he hoped the CCAFA would play the role of a non-governmental organization as a bridge and link in deepening understanding and traditional friendship between China and the five Central Asian nations and promoting exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

The CCAFA was initiated by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), China's largest non-governmental organization.

President of CPAFFC Chen Haosu, Assistant Foreign Minister Li Hui and CCAFA President Zhang Deguang also made speeches at the conference. Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi sent a congratulation letter to the conference.

The conference was followed by a reception marking the foundation of the CCAFA. Ambassadors from the five Central Asian nations to China attended the reception and gave speeches, respectively, to congratulate the founding of the association.