A reception was held in Beijing on Wednesday in honor of the friendship between China and Latin America.

 

About 50 diplomats from Latin American and Caribbean countries attended the reception hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the China-Latin America Friendship Association.

 

Cheng Siwei, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress and head of the China-Latin America Friendship Association, also attended the reception.

 

CPAFFC Vice President Li Xiaolin told the reception that in 2005 the two friendship associations have promoted mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and the Latin American peoples.

 

Li recalled the establishment of a federation of Latin America and the Caribbean for friendship with China in November 2005, saying the federation has lifted China-Latin America friendly ties to a new height.

 

Li said the CPAFFC received 362 guests in 22 delegations from Latin America and the Caribbean last year, a record over previous years.

 

(Xinhua News Agency March 2, 2006)