CAIRO, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese embassy in Egypt held a reception here on Sunday evening to celebrate the 58th anniversary of the foundation of the People's Republic of China.

Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Wu Sike said at the reception that China has made great progress during the past 58 years, especially after the adoption of the policies of reform and opening up in late 1970s.

In 2007, the development of the Chinese society kept on moving forward in various fields under the leadership of the Chinese government, Wu said.

Relations between China and African, Arab countries have also witnessed rapid progress in recent years on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual-benefit, Wu added.

Egyptian Minister of Tourism Zoheir Garranah, on behalf of Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Nazef, made a speech at the reception, speaking highly of the achievements China has made and the friendly relations between the two countries. Some 600 guests, including Egyptian People's Assembly Speaker Ahmed Sorour, representatives and diplomats of dozens of countries as well as overseas Chinese and Chinese working in Egypt, attended the reception.

The People's Republic of China was founded on Oct. 1, 1949.