BEIJING, Sept.15 (Xinhua) -- A reception was held in Beijing on Friday to mark the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the three Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania.

Addressing the reception hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), Chen Haosu, president of the CPAFFC, spoke highly of the ever-strengthening cooperation between China and the Baltic countries in political, economic, scientific, technological, cultural and educational fields.

Chen noted that China regards the three Baltic countries as good friends and good partners, and is keen to further its relations with them.

Chen also expressed his appreciation for the three countries' adherence to the one-China policy.

Chen said the CPAFFC, as a non-governmental friendship association, values friendship with people from the Baltic countries, and hopes to carry out more friendly exchanges with them.

Ambassador of Lithuania to China Arturas Zurauskas said the Baltic countries and China have maintained a friendly and sincere relationship since 1991 when diplomatic ties were established.

The ambassador said China is now a key economic partner in Asia for the Baltic countries, adding that the three countries hope to further intensify their economic links with China, particularly in terms of trade, investment and transportation.

Vice-Chairwoman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee Gu Xiulian, Estonian ambassador to China Mait Martinson, Latvian Ambassador Janis Lovniks also attended the reception. Enditem