Speech by H.E. Dr. Han Zhiqiang at China's National Day Reception
2012-01-03 10:31
 

                                                    29 Sep 2010

Honorable. Ratu Epeli Ganilau, Acting Prime Minister of the Republic of the Fiji Islands,

Honorable Ministers,

Your Excellencies, Diplomatic Colleagues,

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Evening. Ni Sa Bula.

Thank you very much for joining us tonight to celebrate the 61st Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China.

In the past six decades, with the hard work of the Chinese people and support of the friendly countries, China has made tremendous progress in her endeavor to build a strong and prosperous country. 60 years ago, it was hard to imagine that China could hold the Olympic games or the World Expo. 30 years ago, it was just a fanciful dream for China to send her astronauts to the space. Today, they all have become true. The Chinese people all around the world take pride from our achievements. But it is quite clear that without support and cooperation from the friendly countries and peoples in the world, China would not be able to make such achievements. Take the Shanghai World Expo as an example. It is supposed to be the largest in terms of the number of participating countries and international organizations. This is mainly because, for the first time in history, countries like Fiji and other South Pacific countries have built their pavilions in the Expo. According to the statistics from the SPTO, up to last week, more than 6 million people have visited the Pacific pavilion, that is to say, 1 out 10 visitors of the Expo has visited the Pacific Pavilion, of which Fiji Pod is a key part. If the Shanghai World Expo could be a great success, the success belongs to all its participants.

As a developing country, however, China still has a long way to go before it become a modernized country. We are confident that with the leadership of the Chinese government and efforts made by the Chinese people, plus support from our friends in the world, China will become a country with its people enjoy happier and harmonious life, and a country that could make more contribution to world eace and stability.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The year 2010 marks the 35th anniversary of the stablishment of diplomatic relations between China and Fiji. In the past 35 years, our two countries enjoyed long-standing friendly and cooperative relations. And I am very pleased to see that new developments have been made in recent years. The completed Navuso Bridge and Naqali Bridge have become "friend bridges" between our two countries and two peoples. Other projects like Nadarivatu Hydro Power Station, Navua Hospital, Government House Fencing and Low-cost Housing are well under way. The people-to-people links between China and Fiji is also getting closer and closer. Several Chinese acrobatic groups performed at the Hibiscus stage in the past few years, celebrating this annual carnival with our Fiji friends. The Fiji Pod in Shanghai World Expo just witnessed early this month the 6 millionth visitor to the Pacific Pavilion. I am sure Fiji's charm and successful showcase in the World Expo will attract more and more Chinese tourists and investors to this beloved country. Today standing among other guests, we also have Mr XU Xiangdong, a well-known Chinese Tai Chi coach who came to Suva recently and whose classes are very popular to many locals.I hope his efforts will turn this traditional Chinese martial art into health benefits ofthe Fiji people.

As Chinese Ambassador to Fiji, I warmly congratulate the recent progress of China-Fiji relations. And I believe that with our joint efforts, our friendship and cooperation will be put to a new high in the coming years.

Now, Ladies and Gentlemen, on this joyful occasion, may I propose a toast, to the prosperity of China and Fiji, and to the ever-green China-Fiji friendship, Cheers.

Thank you and Vinaka.