BEIJING, May 13  -- A friendship garden featuring 28 gingko trees was opened to the public here Tuesday to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the European Union (EU).

The China-EU Friendship Garden, located on the campus of the Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), covers an area of over 400 square meters. The 28 ginkgo trees planted in the garden represent the 28 member states of the EU.

Gingko trees can live for thousands of years, and are thus a suitable symbol for the long-standing friendship between China and Europe.

The opening ceremony for the garden was accompanied by the EU Languages and Cultures Festival, organized by the students and teachers of BFSU. The festival also featured a photo exhibition depicting key moments in China-EU relations over the past 40 years as well as a EU Food and Culture Street exhibition.

During the past 40 years, the relationship between China and the EU has blossomed and ushered in a new period of stable and vigorous development. Both sides did their part to promote bilateral ties and strengthened the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership.