Written by Cheng Ruxue     Photographed by Chen Bingru

    On the morning of September 22, sponsored by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and sponsored by the Sichuan People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and Sichuan Normal University, the first China South Asian Youth Leaders Exchange Branch Event of Sichuan Normal University was held in Conference Room 105, Area B, No. 7 Teaching Building, Shizishan Campus. Thirty-three young leaders from Maldives, Sri Lanka, India and Nepal and China were invited to participate in the event. Zhang Peng, Director of the Asia-Africa Department of the Chinese People's Association for Foreign Friendship, Yin Ping, Minister of Cultural Exchange of the Sichuan People's Association for Foreign Friendship, Zhang Haidong, Standing Committee of the Party Committeeand Vice-President of Sichuan Normal University, Liu Yang, Secretary of the League Committee of Sichuan Normal University, Yang Yingyu, Secretaryand Vice-Dean of the College of International Education attended the event. The meeting was presided over by Yu Tianwei, Deputy Secretary of the League committee and secretary-general of the university student union.

    Sichuan is the strategic link and core hinterland for the coordinated development of the “one belt and one way” construction and the Yangtze River economic belt, which has great potential for development and broad cooperation space with the South Asian countries. In order to further promote friendly exchanges between China and South Asian countries, especially among young people, the Chinese People’s Association for Foreign Friendship and the South Asian China Regional Friendship and Cooperation Organization jointly sponsored the exchange of young leaders in South Asia. The Sichuan People’s Association for Foreign Friendship and Sichuan Normal University actively cooperated with and undertook relevant activities. Through the exchange activities, we will open a window to understand Sichuan, close the spiritual distance between young friends in China and South Asia, promote in-depth exchanges and practical cooperation between Sichuan and South Asian countries in a wide range and at multiple levels, and lay a solid foundation for the deep friendship between young leaders in South Asia and Sichuan Normal University. For this reason, our university attaches great importance to and carefully prepares this exchange activity. Before the event, we sincerely invite them to take a group photo of Confucius in Shizishan Campus to cherish this beauty forever.

    In his speech, Zhang Haidong said that the friendship between China and South Asia is a trustworthy friendship, and that the friendship between China and South Asia is a good example of friendship between countries. As one of the sponsors and hosting sites of the Fifth Forum of China’s South Asian Non-governmental Friendship Organizations, Sichuan Normal University will actively do a good job in communicating and sharing with young people from South Asian countries, enhance their understanding of China and enhance their cooperation with China’s Friendship.

    Subsequently, Ms. Zhao Meiyan of the College of International Education gave a lecture entitled “China-South Asia Youth Exchange in A New Era”. In her lecture, she analyzed in detail the trend of cooperation between China and South Asian countries, and sent a message to the new youth in the new era. We should pursue better communication and cooperation and build a community of human destiny on the premise of respecting differences and understanding individuality.

    Then, the international students of the College of International Education gave us a sharing meeting entitled “Grew in South Asia, Living in SICNU”. From their sharing, it is not difficult to see the vitality and positive energy of youth and their strong attachment to Sichuan Normal University.

    The excellent literary and artistic exhibitions of art troupes and calligraphy societies of the studentspushed the whole activity to a climax. Joyful music, beautiful dancing and strong ink and calligraphy fragrance blend in the venue. Calligraphy, Guzheng, Sichuan Opera, China’s 5000 excellent history and culture, are vividly displayed in the performance of literature and art.

    Finally, a trip to Sichuan Normal University, a lifetime friendship with Sichuan Normal University. Liu Yang, President of Sichuan Normal Youth Federation and Yang Yingyu, Dean of College of International Education presented the delegation with well-prepared souvenirs, expressing their good expectations for friendly exchanges between young people from China and South Asian countries, and sincerely wishing South Asian delegates a smooth journey in China and a happy and healthy life in the future.

    The event helped young people in South Asia understand a real and young China, enhanced the friendship and friendship between young people from all countries in South Asia, further promoted the friendly cooperation between China and young people in South Asia, consolidated the basis of friendship and public opinion in South Asia, promoted the sustainable development of South Asian friendship organizations with China, and constructed a more dynamic “Friendship Circle” between China and South Asia.