BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) -- China and Rwanda on Monday held a reception marking the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

"Despite great distances, people of China and Rwanda have kept frequent friendly exchanges since the two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1971," Jing Dunquan, vice president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, told the reception.

As developing countries, the two nations have helped each other on international affairs, Jing said.

Although the two countries differ in historic and cultural backgrounds and social systems, both peoples are faced with the tasks of developing their country and promoting world peace and development, Jing said.

Speaker of Rwandan Senate Vincent Biruta, who is on four-day China visit, said that China has helped Rwanda in poverty reduction by conducting cooperation on agriculture, health, education and infrastructure. " We sincerely appreciate China's support."

Representatives from Chinese Foreign Ministry, Chinese Defense Ministry, envoys from Rwandan Embassy in Beijing and Rwandan students in China attended the reception. Enditem