Chinese President Xi Jinping met with leaders of international friendship associations Monday, highlighting the importance of unity and collaboration in fostering global trade and relations. Speaking at the 70th anniversary celebration of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, Xi emphasized that people-to-people connections are essential for stable and enduring international relations and are key to promoting peace and development worldwide.
Representing Uganda at the event was Eng. Benon Mugarura, president of the China-Africa Friendship Association Uganda (CAFAU). President Xi acknowledged CPAFFC’s 70-year legacy of advancing China’s agenda of building friendships with nations globally. He praised Mugarura for his leadership in promoting trade partnerships between Uganda and China, noting that CAFAU has played a critical role in fostering mutual business interests and supporting the growth of bilateral relations.
“Since the foundation of the People’s Republic of China 75 years ago, the Communist Party of China has led the Chinese people on a path toward modernization that has benefited not only China but also the global community,” Xi said. He expressed appreciation to international partners for their role in China’s pursuit of socialist modernization and reiterated China’s commitment to fostering cooperative development and mutual prosperity.
Xi also highlighted CAFAU’s role in promoting mutual benefits and shared goals between Uganda and China, emphasizing that people-to-people diplomacy and friendly exchanges are critical to achieving these goals. “We should build a community with a shared future, rooted in cooperation and mutual benefit,” he said. “China is committed to working with all nations to pursue a path of peaceful development and shared prosperity.”
Eng. Benon Mugarura praised Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni for his leadership in strengthening Uganda-China relations, which led to the founding of CAFAU in 2014. Under Museveni’s leadership, Uganda has pursued modernization through efforts in agricultural development, industrialization, science, technology, and infrastructure—all areas where CAFAU has facilitated Ugandan engagement with Chinese investors and enterprises.
Mugarura highlighted CAFAU’s impact in fostering trade and cultural exchange, particularly through partnerships with Chinese provinces such as Shandong, Guangdong, Sichuan, and Hunan. The association has also promoted youth and educational exchanges, sending more than 60 Ugandan students to study in Chinese institutions, including Yibin University, and helping attract Chinese investment in Uganda, such as the Mbale Industrial Park.
“The twinning programs between Ugandan and Chinese cities, municipalities, and universities have greatly benefited our youth and strengthened our economic ties,” Mugarura said. “Through CAFAU, we have seen increased investment from Chinese companies in Uganda’s industrial sector, contributing to shared prosperity.”
Mugarura, who also owns Zebra Hotel in Masaka City, noted that CAFAU’s creation of regional consortia—such as the Greater Masaka District Consortium and Lake Victoria Shores District Consortium—has helped match Ugandan districts with Chinese provinces to foster further collaboration.
As CPAFFC moves forward, Xi pledged continued support for China’s friendly associations, advocating for peace, fairness, and inclusivity in a globalized world. He emphasized the importance of building a harmonious global community that promotes common values of peace, development, justice, and democracy, fostering an inclusive economic environment for all.
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