On Jan. 12, 2011, the "2011 New Year Reception for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)", which was sponsored by the Department of External Security Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and organized by the Bureau of Management of NGOs under the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality, was held at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. Assistant Foreign Minister Cheng Guoping attended the reception and delivered a speech. Director-General Luo Zhaohui and Deputy-Director-General Wu Chuntai of the Department of External Security Affairs accompanied Assistant Foreign Minister Cheng Guoping during the event. About 130 people attended the reception, including leaders from relevant ministries and commissions, provincial foreign affairs offices, domestic and foreign non-governmental organizations, foreign diplomatic envoys, representatives of international organizations in China, and representatives from academic institutions.

In his speech, Cheng Guoping thanked related organizations for their interest in and support to the work of NGOs. He spoke positively of the contributions made by foreign NGOs in promoting economic and social development of China and enhancing the exchange between China and other countries. He said 2010 is a booming year for the development of domestic and foreign NGOs for they made remarkable achievements in the year. The exchange and cooperation between Chinese government agencies (including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and foreign non-governmental organizations also showed new situation and progress in the year. Cheng reiterated the Chinese government welcomes foreign NGOs to China and supports their activities in China. He also expressed the hope that foreign NGOs could strictly abide by Chinese laws and regulations, engage in cooperation activities according to China's national conditions and needs, be more actively involved in the endeavor of the Chinese government and people to fulfill the goals set forth in "Twelfth Five-Year Plan", and make new contributions to promoting the exchanges between China and other countries and propelling economic and social development of China.

The reception was immersed in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Representatives of NGOs expressed thanks to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for strengthening contacts and exchanges with NGOs. They also expressed the willingness of foreign NGOS to abide by Chinese laws and regulations, strengthen cooperation with China and make efforts for the economic and social development of China and for the well-beings of the Chinese people.