Alumni of two of the country's most prestigious universities of foreign studies, were treated to a joyful reunion on Saturday, whilst celebrating the anniversary of the colleges.

The Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), that evolved from a Russian language school in 1941, celebrated its 60th anniversary, and the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) marked its 50th founding anniversary.

Vice-Premier Qian Qichen, along with nearly 8,000 alumni and 80 diplomats from 65 foreign embassies, took part in a grand ceremony at BFSU.

Qian, on behalf of the central leadership, extended his congratulations to the faculty and to past students and praised the school for its outstanding academic performance.

The vice-premier, a veteran of the country's foreign affairs, said 233 Chinese ambassadors and diplomats above the vice-foreign minister level had graduated from the university during the past 60 years.

Vice-Premier Li Lanqing and State Councillor Wu Yi sent congratulatory greetings to UIBE.

(China Daily 09/24/2001)