BRATISLAVA, Sept. 23 -- A dance and martial art performance was staged Monday night to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of China-Slovakia diplomatic ties.

Chinese Ambassador to Slovakia Pan Weifang, Slovak officials and people from all walks of life attended the celebration at the Slovak National Theater.

"Long distance separates no bosom friends," Pan quoted a famous Chinese poem in his opening speech. "The verse well portrays the friendship between China and Slovakia," he added.

Pan also praised Czechoslovakia for being one of the first countries that recognized the People's Republic of China in 1949.

To celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Slovakia and China are ready to sign a new cooperation pact, which will further advance economic cooperation and cultural exchanges between the two nations.