A reception to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year, was held at the Chinese ambassador's residence in Myanmar on Friday.

During the event, Chinese Ambassador Hong Liang highlighted the Paukphaw (fraternal) friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

He recalled both countries' joint efforts to meet people's aspirations for a better life and promote peace, stability, development and prosperity in both countries.

U Kyaw Tint Swe, union minister for the Office of the State Counselor of Myanmar, extended good wishes to the Chinese government and people.

He also expressed appreciation for China's assistance in Myanmar's national reconciliation and peace process as well as in socioeconomic development in Myanmar.

The reception featured Chinese traditional gourmet session and cultural performances by artists from China's Jiangsu, Yunnan and Shaanxi provinces as well as from Myanmar's National University of Arts and Culture and Mary Chapman School for the Deaf Children.

The reception was followed by a photo exhibition on China's reform and opening-up.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)