With only 2 days to go before the National Day Holiday, many Chinese embassies have held receptions to celebrate and commemorate bilateral ties with the host country.

China's Ambassador to France, Kong Quan, invited French politicians, dignitaries and representatives of the Chinese community, to the embassy to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of new China.

During an address to more than 1,000 guests, Kong Quan said the national day celebration coincides with the 45th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-French diplomatic ties. He noted that after 45 years, the two sides have constantly expanded their cooperation in politics, economics, culture, education and science. He said the recent meeting between the country's two presidents in New York, laid a solid foundation for future cooperation.

Many French politicians said they feel optimistic about bilateral ties and wished all the best for China's future achievements.

Christine Lagarde of French Minister of Economy, said, "The economic cooperation between China and France has been progressing steadily in a well-organized manner. The cooperation involves many fields. it's been particularly fruitful and efficient in the cooperation of aerospace, nuclear technology, as well as environmental protection and agriculture.'

Former French president Jacques Chirac said, "I want to express my admiration and congratulations to China and its people. I feel honored to be invited here to attend the reception."

Jean-Pierre Raffarin, Former French PM, said, "China has already been widely recognized as a country playing an important role within the G20 framework. The world is paying close attention to China's harmony and development. We hope to see sustainable growth of China's economy."

Also on Monday night, more than 1,000 guests attended the national day reception at the Chinese embassy in Singapore. In her address, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Xiaokang hailed the achievements in bilateral trade and investment over the years.

Chinese Ambassador to Singapore Zhang Xiaokang said, "Many cooperation projects, like the industry park in Suzhou, the eco-city under construction in Tianjin, and the intellectual property projects to be carried out in Guangzhou, have all been universally acknowledged."

Senior Singaporean officials said China's rapid growth over the years has also brought new development opportunities for its neighboring countries.

Lim Boon Heng, Minister for Prime Minister's office,said, "Great changes have taken place in China. The cooperation between China and Singapore will be expanded further in the future."

People at the reception also wished for great success during the upcoming National Day military parade at Tian'anmen Square.

This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the Sino-Russian diplomatic ties. A photo exhibition featuring China's cultural and natural world heritage sites has opened in Moscow to mark the occasion.

The exhibition is co-sponsored by China's State Administration of Tourism and the Culture Committee of Russia's State Duma. It's a rare honor for such an exhibition to be held in Russia's parliament building.

(CCTV September 30, 2009)