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)