A reception was held in Beijing on Friday to celebrate the 35th anniversary of China-Mauritius relations.

The two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1972. Trade volume between the two sides reached 205.1 million U.S. dollars in 2006.

Addressing the occasion, Wang Yunze, vice president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), said China-Mauritius relations witnessed steady growth over the years despite changes of international situation.

Since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties 35 years ago, the two countries have maintained close people-to-people exchanges, he said.

The CPAFFC and China-Africa Friendship Association will continue to make unremitting efforts to promote the friendly exchanges between the two peoples, Wang said.

China is to set up an economic and trade cooperation area and a Confucius Institute in Mauritius, according to Mauritius ambassador to China Paul Reynold Lit Fong Chong Leung.

He believes it will help create more employment opportunities for Mauritius and help its people to better understand the Chinese culture.

Source: Xinhua