Premier Li Keqiang met with 41 newly appointed diplomatic envoys and international institutions’ representatives at the Great Hall of the People on Sept 30, the eve of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

The Premier welcomed the ambassadors to assume their posts in China.

He praised new cooperation progress made by China and related countries and international institutions, and hoped the diplomats will pass on his greetings and wishes to their state leaders, people and leaders of institutions.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and grand celebrations will be held to celebrate it, the Premier said.

China has been paying great attention to developing friendly relations with other countries and international institutions, and based on mutual respect and equal treatment, will deepen political trust, increase cooperation and people-to-people exchanges in order to achieve win-win results, elevate the bilateral relations to higher levels and promote building a community with a shared future for all people, according to the Premier.

Also, he hoped the envoys and representatives will play the role of bridges and bonds to deepen the cooperation and friendship between China and their own countries or institutions, adding that the Chinese government is willing to facilitate and support their work.

China contributes to building a peaceful global environment, and to global development, and helps uphold international rules, the Premier said. China is willing to protect the international system under the banner of the United Nations and the multilateral trade system initiated by the World Trade Organization, along with concerned nations and organizations.

China is willing to safeguard multilateralism and free trade, bring convenience to trade and investment, seek and align common interests, and cope with challenges, in a bid to facilitate long-term regional peace and common prosperity.

The ambassadors offered their congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on behalf of their leaders, as well as greetings to the Chinese people. They highly valued the historic achievements made by China over the past 70 years and praised China for further achievements sure to come.

The foreign diplomats said that their nations and institutions attach great importance to their relations with China and they are willing to expand pragmatic cooperation with China in fields across the board, and strengthen communication and coordination in international and regional affairs.

They are willing to push forward bilateral relations and friendship with China at their new posts.

Later, the foreign diplomats were invited to the National Day reception celebrating the 70th anniversary of China.

Wang Yi, state councilor and minister of foreign affairs, also attended the events.