On September 30, His Excellency Lan Lijun, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Canada and Mme Gu Langlin hosted a reception in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Present were Honorable Noël A. Kinsella, Speaker of the Senate of Canada, Honorable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Michael Ignatieff, Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, General Walt Natynczyk, Chief of the Defence Staff, Mr. Louis Lévesque, Deputy Minister of International Trade, Mr. Ken Sunquist, Assistant Deputy Minister, Asia & Africa and Chief Trade Commissioner of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Canada and over 700 representatives from the House of Commons and the Senate of Canada, diplomatic missions in Ottawa, Canada's various social sectors and overseas Chinese communities.

        Ambassador Lan began his speech with a brief review of the significant changes China has gone through and the country's outstanding achievements in the past 60 years. He noted that China's economy and comprehensive national strength have been greatly enhanced, people's living standard fundamentally improved and international standing and influence raised prominently. China has never been so prosperous and flourishing, nor have the Chinese people been so inspired, proud and confident.

       Ambassador Lan stressed that China will continue to uphold the Scientific Concept on Development, carry forward its socialism with Chinese characteristics, follow the path of peaceful development as well as a win-win strategy of opening up, and is committed to developing friendship and cooperation with all other countries and jointly working for a harmonious world on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

       Ambassador Lan positively commented on the China-Canada friendly cooperation, saying that the two countries' relationship has, on the whole, moved forward since its inauguration 39 years ago. Thanks to concerted efforts, China-Canada bilateral relations have gained momentum for improvement and growth. In celebrating the 40th anniversary of the China-Canada diplomatic relations next year, the two countries should seize the opportunity to review the past and plan for the future by increasing political mutual trust, broadening cooperation, appropriately addressing the sensitive issues, diversifying cultural exchanges and jointly work for a better future for China-Canada relations. Ambassador Lan also expressed appreciation for overseas Chinese for their active contribution to China's modernization endeavors and to China's peaceful reunification cause, the enhancement of friendship between the Chinese and Canadian people.

       Minister Cannon reviewed Canada's historical relations with China and fully recognized China's important role in multilateral economic fora and in facing global challenges, saying that October 1 is a historic day and that the Chinese people have reason to be proud of their achievements. He hopes that the two sides will, in celebrating the 40th anniversary, deepen the intimate relationship that the two sides have worked so hard to build. He believes that the two sides will overcome any challenges that come by their way and continue to strengthen Canada-China relations.

       The reception proceeded in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Guests present extended their National Day congratulations and wishes for further development of China-Canada friendly cooperation. A photo exhibit on China's achievement since 1949 was on display during the reception.