A major Chinese non-governmental friendship organization held a reception in Beijing Monday to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Republic of the Congo.  

Chen Haosu, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), said China and the Republic of the Congo, as developing countries, had cooperated with and supported each other in international affairs.

He expressed his appreciation for the Republic of the Congo's adherence to the one-China principle and its support for China on human rights issues.

Chen said the Chinese cities of Dalian and Changsha had established sister-city links with Pointe Noire and Brazzaville in the Republic of the Congo respectively. They had cooperated well in economic exchanges.

He hoped that the two countries would expand unofficial friendly exchanges, so as to promote the two peoples' friendship.

Ambassador of the Republic of the Congo to China Pierre Passi expressed thanks for China's technological assistance to the Republic of the Congo, and conveyed friendly greetings of his country to the Chinese people.

(Xinhua News Agency February 23, 2004)