A reception was held Sunday in Beijing to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and Iceland.
Buhe, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, and visiting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Halldor Asgrimsson of Iceland attended the reception.
Chen Haosu, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries addressed the reception.
He said that China and Iceland, though far apart geographically, have supported each other and held identical or similar views on many international issues.
The local governments and non-governmental organizations of the two countries have expanded cooperation in all fields, which has pushed forward the healthy development of bilateral ties.
Chen said China is willing to work with Iceland to promote bilateral relations.
Asgrimsson spoke highly of China's achievements in economic reform, and expressed satisfaction with the relationship between Iceland and China.
He said that Iceland hopes to strengthen cooperation with China in tapping and utilizing geothermal heat.
( Xinhua News Agency 10/28/2001)
