Rt Hon Prime Minister Somare,

Honorable Members of National Parliament,

Honorable Ministers and Secretaries,

Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Good evening! It is a real pleasure to have you all here at the Chinese Embassy. I am greatly honored by your presence this evening.

I am fully aware that a rather unpopular thing at a reception like this is for the audience to stand and listen to a lengthy speech. So I will be brief in my remarks.

At a time when China-Papua New Guinea relations are booming as never before and have reached unprecedented heights, it is truly a privilege for me to serve as Chinese Ambassador to this great country.

As China is reaching out to the rest of the world, there is among my fellow countrymen intense and growing interest in Papua New Guinea, because Papua New Guinea is an important country in the South Pacific, known for its picturesque land scenery and great ocean, rich natural resources and diligent, honest and hospitable people.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Papua New Guinea in 1976, our bilateral relations have made much headway, with frequent high-level exchange of visits, growing trade and economic cooperation and fruitful exchange and cooperation in culture, education, health, military and other fields. The Chinese Government values its friendly relations and cooperation with Papua New Guinea. October this year marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Papua New Guinea. We are ready to take this occasion as an opportunity to work with the Government and people of Papua New Guinea and lift our bilateral ties to a higher level. We aim to make our relationship a new type of partnership featuring mutual political trust, economic complementarity, cultural enrichment and collaboration in international affairs.

Last week's First Ministerial Conference of China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum, which was held in Nadi, Fiji, was a great success. During the conference, Chinese Premier Mr. Wen Jiabao and Prime Minister Somare held cordial bilateral talks and witnessed the signing of a series of bilateral agreements on economic and technical cooperation. This China-initiated Forum is aimed at providing a platform for China and the Pacific Island Countries to promote trade and economic cooperation and pursue common development and prosperity. It is my conviction that this Forum will play an important role in deepening the mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of economy and trade, investment, agriculture, tourism etc. between China and the Pacific Island Countries, including Papua New Guinea.

As Chinese Ambassador, I will exert all my efforts to strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation and friendship between our two countries and peoples during my tenure of office, and I look forward to working closely with you in this endeavor. I am confident that in discharging my responsibilities, I shall receive assistance and support from all of you present tonight.

In conclusion, I would like to express to you my deep appreciation and sincere thanks for your kind presence, and wish all of you a pleasant and enjoyable evening.

Thank you.