China and Canada have officially kicked off a series of celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Chinese Ambassador to Canada Lan Lijun (C) and President of the Treasury Board of Canada and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway Stockwell Day (R) cut the ribbon for an exhibition marking the 40th anniversary of the Sino-Canadian relation ties in Ottawa, capital of Canada, March 9, 2010. [Xinhua]

As one of the opening events, the China Broadcasting Chinese Orchestra (CBCO) staged a 2010 Spring Festival Gala Concert on Monday night at Southam Hall of the National Arts Center in Ottawa.

The grand show, which featured over 30 different kinds of traditional Chinese musical instruments, attracted an audience of around 2,000, among whom were senior Canadian officials and Chinese Ambassador to Canada Lan Lijun.

Addressing a reception before the show, Ambassador Lan said that the China-Canada diplomatic ties, which were forged on Oct. 13, 1970, have moved forward thanks to the personal commitment of leaders of several generations and concerted efforts of people from various sectors in both countries.

"Our exchanges and cooperation in all fields have been growing steadily and exchanges at the top and other levels have increased," Lan noted.

China Broadcasting Chinese Orchestra presents symphony at the National Arts Center in Ottawa, capital of Canada, March 9, 2010. The concert kicked off a series of activities sponsored by the Chinese Embassy to Canada and the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, marking the 40th anniversary of the Sino-Canadian relation ties. [Zhang Dacheng/Xinhua]

He said that China stands ready to work with Canada, with a strategic and long-term perspective, to seize the opportunity brought by the 40th anniversary to review the past and plan for the future, and jointly forge an even better future.

On the same occasion, Canadian Speaker of the Senate Noel Kinsella said it is encouraging to see the two countries continuing to work together in a constructive and cooperative manner.

"The fact that we were able to put aside our differences at the height of the Cold War and work together for a better future makes me believe that our partnership can withstand the most difficult challenges that might come our way," he said.

The Speaker also praised the hard-working Chinese immigrants who endured difficult conditions long before the two countries established diplomatic ties, as they helped build the Canadian Pacific Railway, which played a critical role in history.

On the eve of the concert, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper also sent a greeting message, saying that the wonderful evening of beautiful music was a great opportunity to share Chinese culture with Canadians as more than a billion people around the world welcomed the Year of the Tiger.

"It is a time of great expectations and an occasion to recognize the significant contributions of Chinese Canadians," Harper added.

Established in 1957, the CBCO has performed at Konzerthaus Berlin, Lincoln Center, John F. Kennedy Center and Moscow Tchaikovsky Concert Hall over the past five decades. Its world- class Chinese New Year Concert has also become a classic event at the Golden Hall of Vienna since 2003. This is the Orchestra's first visit to Canada.