国内英语新闻:China, Sweden mark 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties

BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) -- China and Sweden here on Friday marked the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic ties at an evening reception.

Addressing the reception, Wang Gang, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said the Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of friendly China-Sweden cooperation.

China hopes to work with Sweden and take the opportunity of the 60th anniversary of bilateral ties to deepen political trust and actively expand pragmatic cooperation in various fields, to further strengthen the friendly relationship, Wang said.

Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf expressed hope the two countries will make joint efforts to boost cooperation and make more strides in promoting Sweden-China relations over the coming 60 years.

Wang Gang (L front), vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), shakes hands with Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf at a evening reception marking the 60th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties in Beijing, capital of China, May 21, 2010.

China and Sweden forged diplomatic ties on May 9, 1950.

Over 600 guests of all walks of life from China and Sweden - including Swedish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Enterprise and Energy Maud Olofsson and the Chinese Ambassador to Sweden, Chen Mingming - attended the evening reception.