On September 9, 2011, Assistant Foreign Minister Cheng Guoping, at invitation, attended a reception marking the 20th anniversary of Ukraine's independence hosted by Ukrainian Ambassador to China Kostenko Yurii.
Addressing the reception, Cheng spoke highly of Ukraine's achievements in the cause of national construction and national revitalization since its independence 20 years ago. He pointed out that in June this year, both sides set the new positioning of strategic partnership, opening a new chapter in the history of bilateral relations. China is willing to work together with Ukraine to take the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to promote China-Ukraine strategic partnership to a new level for the benefit of both countries and their peoples.
Ambassador Kostenko introduced his country's development achievements over the past 20 years and spoke highly of the level of bilateral ties, reaffirming Ukraine is willing to make joint efforts with China to push forward bilateral ties.
At the reception, Ukrainian artists sang well-known songs of the two countries.