The world's oldest Republic, San Marino and the People's Republic of China celebrated the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Friendship Association in Beijing on Monday. Our reporter Yang Ran was there.

30 years ago, Gianfranco Terenzi, was invited for an official visit to China as the Captain Regent of San Marino. He was very impressed by the fast developing country on his first visit and founded the Friendship Association between San Marino and China when he got back home. 

At the ceremony, Terenzi and Song Jingwu, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries both gave speeches and remarked on the achievements they have made in the past three decades. Terenzi also told about his outlook on the future.

GIANFRANCO TERENZI, CHAIRMAN SAN MARINO-CHINA FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION "We will keep on enhancing San Marino people's understanding and exchanges with China in the fields of economy and culture. We fully support President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative, and will go on promoting the development of the Confucius Institute and encourage more people to learn Chinese language and get to know Chinese culture. To the people in San Marino, the friendship association is not only an active organization, but also a culture promoter and a window to understanding China."

A set of commemorative stamps and envelopes were released at the ceremony to remember the historic moment.

September 3rd also marks the one-thousand seven-hundred and eighteenth National Day of San Marino. YR, CGTN.