The Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign
Countries (CPAFFC) held a reception in Beijing on Saturday in honor
of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic
relations between
China and Russia.
The two countries established their formal relations on October
2, 1949, the day after the founding of the People's Republic of
China.
CPAFFC Vice President Wang Yunze noted that China and Russia are
actively cooperating in such varied areas as politics, trade,
science and culture and strengthening coordination and cooperation
in international and regional affairs to promote world peace and
development.
Established on October 5, 1949, the Sino-Russian Friendship
Association has played an important role in promoting friendship,
trust and mutual understanding between the two peoples, said
Wang.
Russian Ambassador to China Igor Rogachev said at the reception
that the upcoming visit to China by President Vladimir Putin on
October 14 would further enhance the bilateral relations.
(Xinhua News Agency October 10, 2004)