Two Chinese friendship organizations and the European Union (EU) Commission delegation to China held a reception in Beijing on July 15 to welcome EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso's visit to China.

The two organizations are the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the China-EU Association.

Chen Haosu, president of CPAFFC and the China-EU Association, presented Barroso a stamp album which marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Sino-EU diplomatic relations, and a Chinese version of EU Treaties.

Chen said both China and EU are working for an all-round development of Sino-EU comprehensive strategic partnership. The two sides have set up a mechanism for multi-level political dialogues.

He said the CPAFFC and China-EU Association have actively conducted non-governmental activities with EU member states, and have promoted trade cooperation and cultural exchanges among local governments of the two sides.

Some 120 guests attended the reception, including EU Commission ambassador to China Serge Abou, Chinese ambassador to EU Guan Chengyuan, diplomats from EU members states, officials from China's Foreign Ministry and businessmen of both sides.

Barroso, invited by the Chinese government, is here for a five-day official visit to China. Besides Beijing, he will visit Shanghai, Macao and Hong Kong.

Source: Xinhua