Chinese FM holds annual reception for foreign diplomats

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi addressed over 400 diplomats from around the world and expressed his sincere gratitude at a New Year's reception hosted by the Chinese Foreign Ministry for foreign diplomats on Tuesday.

He said during the past year, all the respected diplomats have made great contributions in promoting sound diplomatic relations between China and the world.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi gives a speech at a reception hosted by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, January 30, 2018.

Wang said as China is the largest developing country, its diplomatic work should serve to create a better external environment for the country's modernization.

Foreign diplomats at the event expressed their visions and expectations as China enters a "new era."

Argentinian Ambassador to China Diego Ramiro Guelar said 2018 is a key year because it is the launching of a new era for China, for Argentina and for the world.

Jose Augusto Duarte, Portuguese ambassador to China said, "There are huge Chinese investments in Portugal and huge contacts between high-ranking officials of the two countries. China now is more respected and admired in my country than before. This is not the lottery that you won, it is the result of the work of Chinese diplomacy."

Foreign diplomats listen to China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi's speech at a reception hosted by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, January 30, 2018.

Hans Friederich, director general of International Bamboo and Rattan Organization, said, "Last year, we really made great progress in South-South Cooperation. President Xi's message during the Belt and Road Initiative launch and during the Party Congress (calls for) looking at how environment is part of society and how it echoes civilization is really the way forward. "

Wang said that in 2018, China will implement the results reached at the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and put in place mechanisms to boost cooperation.

China will make every possible effort to host the Boao Forum for Asia, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the China International Import Expo next year to "open a new chapter" for win-win cooperation between China and other countries.

(CGTN)