San Marino, China mark 50 years of diplomatic ties

A series of celebrations and commemorative activities were held in San Marino on Thursday to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between San Marino and China.

Among the celebrations was a photo exhibition named "San Marino-China: 50 Years, 50 Images," featuring 50 photos that recorded the exchanges and profound friendship between the two countries over the past 50 years.

In addition, San Marino will issue special stamps in June marking the 50th anniversary. Other business and cultural exchange activities are set in July, including a business forum focusing on commercial relations.

The commemorative activities are of special significance, as they are the first large-scale public events held in San Marino since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, said Captains Regent Marco Nicolini during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to San Marino (also to Italy) Li Junhua on Thursday at the Public Palace in the City of San Marino, capital of the country.

The Chinese ambassador attended a commemorative event titled "Under the Same Sky" later on in company with San Marino's Foreign Minister Luca Beccari.

Li said that San Marino was the first Western country to sign an agreement on mutual exemption of visas with China, leading more and more Chinese tourists to San Marino.

The bilateral trade volume grew by a record 32.9 percent last year in spite of the pandemic, according to Li.