Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian Attends the Reception in Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Australia China Friendship Society (ACT)

On November 20, the reception celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the ACT Branch of the Australia China Friendship Society was held at the Chinese Embassy in Australia. Nearly 80 people attended the reception, including Ambassador Xiao Qian, Minister Sun Yong, President Carol Keil, society members and representatives of some cooperative organizations.

Ambassador Xiao Qian expressed his congratulations. He noted that over the past 50 years, the ACT Branch of  Australia China Friendship Society has made significant contributions to enhancing the friendship between the two peoples. This year marks the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Australia and the establishment of China-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and the great development of the relationship between the two countries could not have been achieved without the contributions of many parties, including the ACT Branch. We hope that in the new decade, the ACT Branch will continue to play its unique role in developing cultural exchanges, strengthening communication and cooperation between China and Australia, and help maintain the friendship between the two peoples for generations to come.

Carol introduced the 50-year history of the society. She affirmed the important role of schools in fostering young people’s awareness of Chinese culture, and expressed her confidence about the future.

A letter of congratulations from the Beijing People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries was read at the event.