On November 29, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) hosted a reception in Beijing to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Bulgaria, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, and Albania. Tie Ning, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress, attended the event. Together with CPAFFC President Yang Wanming and ambassadors of the seven countries in China, Tie Ning unveiled the commemorative envelope marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the seven Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. Around 200 participates attended the event, including representatives from Chinese ministries and commissions, universities, think tanks, businesses, as well as diplomats from the seven embassies in China and members of China's business, education, and cultural sectors. Jiang Jiang, Vice President of the CPAFFC, moderated the reception.
In his speech, Yang Wanming highlighted that the seven CEE countries were among the first to establish diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China. Over the past 75 years, through the concerted efforts of both sides, bilateral relations have grown stronger. Political mutual trust has deepened, economic and trade cooperation has flourished, people-to-people ties have become more solid, and subnational exchange have thrived. Taking this 75th anniversary as an opportunity, he stressed the need to strengthen partnerships while preserving the original spirit behind establishing diplomatic relations; deepen strategic alignment, expand practical cooperation, prioritize people-to-people exchanges, promote mutual learning among civilizations, and elevate bilateral cooperation to new heights. The CPAFFC is ready to collaborate with the friendship organizations of the seven countries and people from all sectors of society to create more opportunities for people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, cultrual exchanges, and youth friendship, contributing to the further development of China's relations with the seven countries.
Diplomatic envoys from the seven countries in China reflected on the longstanding friendship between their nations and China in their speeches. They praised the remarkable progress made in bilateral relations over the past 75 years. Looking ahead, they expressed their commitment to continuing to respect each other politically, pursue mutual benefits, and foster exchanges and mutual learning between cultures, thereby deepening and expanding cooperation with China in all areas.
During the reception, the Duke String Quartet from Central Conservatory of Music performed renowned Chinese and European pieces, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.
