China has stood among the greatest and strongest nations in the world by achieving rapid progress in the past 60 years, Kim Hyong-o, Speaker of South Korean National Assembly, said on Thursday.

While addressing a grand reception hosted by Chinese Embassy in Seoul marking the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Kim hailed China's amazing economic growth and its successful host of Olympic Games last year.

"The Beijing Olympic Games built up Chinese people's pride and elevated China's international image," he said.

"On behalf of the parliament, I am willing to extend sincere congratulations and appreciation to all Chinese people who have attained splendid achievements," he added.

Kim said he hoped that South Korea and China would deepen mutual trust and friendship so as to become closer partners to open an era of a peaceful and prosperous north-east Asia in the 21century.

At the reception, Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Cheng Yonghua reviewed the great changes and strengthened national strength as well as the rising status of China in the past 60 years, and expressed appreciation to the South Korean government and people for their support to China.

"China will steadfastly follow the road of peaceful development, pursue the opening strategy of mutual benefit, and try to build a harmonious world of enduring peace and common prosperity," Cheng stressed.

Cheng also recalled the significant growth in bilateral relations since the two countries established diplomatic ties 17 years ago, especially the strategic cooperative partnership established last year.

"China will make joint efforts with South Korea to increase strategic mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation and expand friendly exchanges, so as to achieve common development, bring about more benefits to our two countries and our two peoples, and further promote peace and stability in Northeast Asia and the world," he said.

More than 800 representatives from different sectors were present at the occasion.

(Xinhua News Agency September 25, 2009)