The Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign
Countries (CPAFFC) and the China-Oceania Friendship Association
(COFA) held a reception here Friday to mark the 35th anniversary of
diplomatic ties between China and Australia.
Peng Peiyun, president of the COFA, Australia's ambassador to
China Geoff Raby, and 20 officials from the Chinese government and
the Australian embassy in Beijing attended the reception.
CPAFFC vice-president Li Xiaolin said China had always attached
strategic importance to developing relations with Australia and
regarded Australia as a good friend and partner for common
development.
Raby said relations had developed rapidly since the
establishment of diplomatic ties in 1972, adding this year was
particularly important as Chinese President Hu Jintao and Vice
Premier Zeng Peiyan had visited Australia.
He said he believed that through joint efforts, friendship and
understanding between the two countries and the two peoples could
grow stronger. China is the second largest trading partner of
Australia. The two countries have established 74 pairs of sister
cities.
(Xinhua News Agency December 15, 2007)
