BEIJING, May 24 -- The Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Thursday opened its door to foreign diplomats for the first time in its history.

More than 50 foreign diplomats from 49 countries and the European Union were invited to visit the Publicity Department and see how it functions.

The Publicity Department was established 91 years ago, upon the founding of the CPC.

Liu Yunshan, the department's chief as well as a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, communicated with the diplomats during this "open day" event.

Liu said that publicity work is an important component of the CPC's overall work, which is a fine tradition and a political advantage held by the Party. Publicity work has played an irreplaceable role in China's revolution, construction and reform periods.

Liu also briefed the diplomats on the tasks of the CPC's publicity work, which are outlined in order to "equip people with scientific theories, provide them with proper media guidance, imbue them with lofty ideals and inspire them through excellent cultural works."

"Ties between China and the rest of the world have become increasingly close in an open era. Progress in any field can not be separated from countries' exchanges, cooperation and learning from each other," Liu said.

Liu expressed hopes to enhance exchanges with foreign diplomats and to learn from foreign parties and governments' experiences in state governance.

During the three-hour visit, diplomats toured several divisions under the Publicity Department and watched how officials work.

Several diplomats said the event displayed the Party's openness and willingness to work with the rest of the world in a friendly way.

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