To mark the 57th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, a reception was held in Beijing on Wednesday. State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan attended the event.?

 

Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) Li Xiaolin said at the reception that 2006 was an important year for the development of China-Russia relations.

 

She said 2006 marked the 10th anniversary of the China-Russia strategic partnership of cooperation and the fifth anniversary of them signing their good-neighborly treaty. It was also the inauguration of the Year of Russia in China and Year of China in Russia programs.

 

Li said deep bilateral relations in all fields had developed quickly with mutual political trust, cooperation and benefits secured, cultural exchanges expanded and closer strategic coordination established.?

 

The cooperation would certainly promote friendship between the two countries, provide benefits for people and contribute greatly to world peace, stability and prosperity, observed Li.

 

Russian Ambassador to China Sergei Razov said the steady development of the strategic cooperative partnership was in the fundamental interests of the two countries and conducive to world peace and stability.

 

He said the Year of Russia in China and Year of China in Russia would contribute to the further development of relations. Already many things had been achieved and the modern culture of Russia had been introduced to Chinese friends. Razov said the Year of China in Russia in 2007 would further promote the friendship and mutual understanding.

 

The reception was hosted by the CPAFFC and the China-Russia Friendship Association. Over 100 guests from the two countries attended.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 28, 2006)