BEIJING - China and Cyprus celebrated the 40th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations at a reception held here on Friday.

Over the past 40 years, bilateral relations between China and Cyprus have developed soundly, said Feng Zuoku, vice president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

China values its cooperation with Cyprus, Feng said. China and Cyprus have enjoyed pragmatic cooperation in various fields, including economy, trade, culture and education, in recent years.

Marios Ieronymides, Cypriot Ambassador to China, also spoke highly of the excellent relations between the two countries, adding that both sides have cooperated well with each other on international and regional affairs.

China and Cyprus established diplomatic ties on December 14, 1971.