Chinese President Xi Jinping addresses China International Friendship Conference in Commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) in Beijing, capital of China, May 15, 2014. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

BEIJING, May 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on organizations to increase the role of people-to-people exchanges so they can contribute more to China's friendship with other countries.

Xi made the remarks while addressing a conference marking the 60th anniversary of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), a non-governmental organization.

Xi said the association played an irreplaceable role in promoting China's friendship with other countries. Its development showcased the power of people-to-people engagement in promoting world peace and development, and its important role in China's overall diplomacy.

Xi said friendship between peoples is a strength to promote world peace and development, as well as a precondition to realize win-win cooperation. Peoples in all countries should strengthen friendly exchanges and join hands in the face of a complicated international situation and severe global challenges.

He called on the association to innovate and explore ways to allow for more people-to-people exchanges, and help build more sister cities and promote exchanges between localities.

Xi stressed that China loves peace and will not pursue hegemony. China will insist on a peaceful way of development.

The CPAFFC has established friendly cooperation with more than 500 non-governmental organizations in 157 countries, and helped the establishment of 2,106 sister cities and provinces between China and 133 nations.

left to right: ICCIC Chair Michael Crook, ICCIC member Miao Zaifang, ICCIC Consultant Lv wanru, ICCIC member Wang Jinghua