Chinese embassies around the world held receptions and other activities to mark the 61st birthday of the People's Republic of China.

In Bulgaria, a reception held by the Chinese Embassy on September 29 was attended by more than 300 guests, including Chief of Staff of the Bulgarian Armed Forces General Simeon Hristov Simeonov, deputy ministers, members of the Bulgarian Parliament, and foreign diplomats.

Addressing the reception, Guo Yezhou, the new Chinese ambassador to Bulgaria said China and Bulgaria enjoy traditional friendship. Guo, who arrived in Sofia on August 16, said he had been impressed by the Bulgarian people's hospitality and friendship.

He said that his colleagues and he himself are looking forward to further strengthening cooperation with their Bulgarian partners.

In Belarus, a reception held on September 28 evening drew more than 180 guests from Belarusian government institutions, business communities, diplomatic corps and other circles.

Chinese ambassador Lu Guicheng hailed a series of achievements scored by China, but at the same time pointed out that China is still a developing country facing many problems and challenges.

He said China will steadily boost the friendly ties with Belarus, and he believed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko's visit to China in October will contribute to promoting bilateral cooperation to a higher level.

First Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Vladimir Semashko lauded China's development and the role it plays on the international arena.

To steadily consolidate and develop the Belarus-China relations is always the Belarusian government's diplomatic priority, he stressed, adding that Belarus is ready to join hands with China in more fields.