国内英语新闻:China, Bolivia celebrate 25th anniversary of diplomatic ties

BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) -- China and Bolivia here on Friday celebrated the 25th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

The Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) hosted a reception in Beijing to mark the event.

About 120 guests from China and Bolivia, including Jiang Shusheng, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress attended the reception.

Addressing the reception, CPAFFC Vice President Li Xiaolin said the years after China and Bolivia forged diplomatic ties have witnessed smooth development of bilateral relations, with strengthening political and economic relations and deepening exchanges and cooperation in the cultural, military, scientific and technological fields.

The two nations, which understand and support each other in the international arena, have similar positions on many issues, Li said.

Non-governmental exchanges are expanding between China and Bolivia while official relations are undergoing healthy and in-depth development, Li added.

Bolivian Ambassador to China Fernando Rodriguez Urena spoke highly of Bolivia-China relations, saying their friendship and cooperation have entered a new phase.

He added that the two nations complement each other in many areas, and there is great potential for cooperation.

China and Bolivia forged diplomatic ties in July, 1985.