Friday, December 15, 2000, updated at 09:56(GMT+8)
China
Information Department of Foreign Ministry Hosts New Year's Reception
On 14 December 2000, the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a reception for Chinese and foreign correspondents.
Assistant Minister Ma Canrong delivered a New Year's speech.He said that this year marks an important year at the turn of the century. Comparatively speaking, the international situation, after experiencing great turbulence in last year, has witnessed relaxation, multi-polarity, and continuing economic globalization. Peace and development are still on top of the agenda for the people all over the world. Under the guidance of an independent foreign policy of peace, China's diplomacy, facing the future and making enterprising efforts, has made remarkable achievements.
The reception was hosted by Mr. Zhu Bangzao, Director-General of the Information Department. About 500 Chinese and foreign journalists and people from other walks of life were present.