This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Canada. To commemorate the event, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is holding a photo exhibition. Our reporter He Fei has the details.
More than 60 pictures and documents are on display in the Olive Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China.
Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai attended the exhibition's opening ceremony.
"This exhibition is an important part of a series of commemorative activities for the 40th anniversary. The exhibits record the fruits that China and Canada have jointly gained during the 40 years in all fields, including politics, business and culture. They are the testimony to and epitome of the friendly relations between the people of our two countries."
On Oct. 13, 1970, Canada became one of the first Western countries to build diplomatic relations with China. Over the decades, the two countries have become closer: China is now Canada's second-largest trading partner, and the number of Chinese students, tourists and businessmen traveling to Canada is growing rapidly every year.
Minister Jeff Nankivell of the Canadian Embassy in China introduces other commemorative activities.
"Canada and China are now celebrating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations throughout this year with a series of activities in both countries. Another highlight will be this week in Beijing on the anniversary day of Oct. 13th, when we will launch a public exhibition on the life of Dr. Norman Bethune in cooperation with the Song Qingling Foundation at Madam Song's Residence in Houhai in Beijing."
Nankivell also says that since Canada and China issued a joint statement last December, cooperation between the two countries has become deeper and closer. He believes in the next 40 years, the ties between China and Canada will grow even stronger.
