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)