A reception is held to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Slovakia, in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 12, 2009. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

   China and Slovakia held a reception here on Monday to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

    Addressing the event, Chen Haosu, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), said the China-Slovakia relations have developed smoothly in the spirit of mutual respect, mutual trust and sincere cooperation since the two nations forged diplomatic ties 60 years ago.

Chen Haosu, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), speaks during a reception celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Slovakia, in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 12, 2009. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

    "In recent years, the bilateral friendly cooperative relations have progressed steadily." Chen said.

    Chen said he hoped the two countries would continue to work hand in hand to push the traditional friendship to a new level in the future.

    "We have witnessed the splendid ceremony on China's Naitonal Day, which reflects profound change in China since the reform and opening up 30 years ago," said Slovak Ambassador to China Zigmund Bertok.

Slovakian Ambassador to China Zigmund Bertok speaks during a reception celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Slovakia, in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 12, 2009. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

    He said Slovakia appreciated China's foreign policy of peaceful development, saying China is now and will continue to be a strong force to safeguard the world peace and promote common development.

Oyunqemag (R2, front), vice-chairwoman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, talks with Slovakian Ambassador to China Zigmund Bertok (L2) prior to a reception celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Slovakia, in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 12, 2009. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

    About a hundred delegates from various circles of the two countries, including Uyunqimg, vice chairwoman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), attended the reception.