China and Iran held a reception in Beijing on Wednesday to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

More than 200 people were present at the reception, including Chen Zhili, vice chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress; Chen Haosu, chairman of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries; and Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Zhang Kunsheng.

Prior to the reception, Chen Zhili met with Ahad Mohammadi, chairman of the Iran-China Friendship Society. They exchanged views on further enhancing friendly cooperation between the two countries.

Ahad Mohammadi and several other people were awarded at the reception for their contributions to the China-Iran friendship.

The annual seminar of China and Iran relations and the annual meeting between the Iran-China Friendship Society and the China-Iran Friendship Association were held Wednesday afternoon prior to the reception.