On Dec. 14th, 2012, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and China-Oceania Friendship Association held a reception in the Great Hall of the People to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Australia. Around 150 guests have attended the reception, including: Mr. Isma’il Tiliwaldi, Vice Chairman of National People’s Congress, Representatives from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, Ministry of Education, International Department of Central Committee of CPC, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Culture, former Chinese ambassador to Australia, Minister of Regional Development and Arts delegation, Australian ambassador to China and diplomats from New Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa and Micronesia, representatives from Pacific Islands Forum, and Australian guests of all walks of life in Bejing. In the speeches of Madam Li Xiaolin, President of the CPAFFC and Hon. Mr. Simon Crean, Minister of Regional Development and Arts, both have spoken highly of the rapid progress Sino-Australian relations have made during the past 40 years and expected the deepening and innovative cooperation for the next 40 years.

Before the reception, Madam Li Xiaolin and Hon. Mr. Simon Crean have also attended the the Press Release on the Achievements of Australia-China Desert Adventure and the Release Ceremony for China Australia Relations: Towards a Community with Shared Interests held in the Chongqing conference hall of the Great Hall of the People.