On February 21, 2008, Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Hongbo and the diplomatic envoys and representatives from 36 European countries and the EU Commission attended the celebration of the Lantern Festival and the Tibetan New Year in China Tibetology Research Center (CTRC). Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Hongbo, Vice Minister Sita of the United Front Work Department of the CPC, Lhagpa Phuntshogs, Director General of CTRC and Ambassador of Slovenia (EU Presidency) to China Ph.D. Marjan Cencen delivered speeches respectively.

The scholars from CTRC exchanged views with the diplomatic envoys and answered their questions. After the talks, the envoys then attended the buffet lunch and watched the Tibetan performance.