(September 30, 2018, Paramaribo Royal Torarica Hotel)

Your Excellency Mr. Ashwin Adhin, Vice President of the Republic of Suriname,

Honorable Ministers and Members of the National Assembly,

Colleagues from the Diplomatic Corps and International Organizations,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening!

Let me begin by warmly welcoming you to the reception celebrating the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China,and my assumption of office as the 13th ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Suriname. I am truly honored by your presence.

The past 69 years has been a remarkable journey in the course of the Chinese history. Under the strong leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, Chinese people have found a successful development path, a path of socialism with Chinese characteristics. The Chinese nation has achieved a great transformation--it has stood up, grown rich and is becoming strong. With concerted effort of its people, China has come to embrace the bright prospect of national rejuvenation.

Ladies and gentlemen,

This year marks the 40th anniversary of reform and opening-up which not only profoundly changed China but also enormously influenced the whole world. Over the last four decades, China remains a key anchor and driver for the world economy at a high growth rate. It has become the world's second largest economy with a GDP of over 12 trillion US dollars. China has lifted 740 million people out of poverty which accounts for more than 70% of the global total over the same period. For the first half of this year, China reached a growth rate of 6.8%, taking the lead among the world's major economies.

As President Xi Jinping stated in his keynote speech at Boao Forum for Asia in this April, China will continue to adhere to the fundamental policy of opening up, and pursue peaceful development with its door wide open. China will never threaten anyone else, nor attempt to overturn the existing international system, nor seek spheres of influence. China will actively engage in global partnership, firmly support multilateralism, and take an active part in reforming the global governance system. China will remain committed to building a new type of international relations and promote a community with a shared future for mankind.

Dear friends, my wife and I arrived in Suriname on August 19th. Within six weeks, we have made a lot of friends and managed to visit Paramaribo and its neighbouring areas. We are deeply impressed by the unique natural beauty, the hospitality of the people and in particular, the diverse cultures of Suriname. Indeed, I feel fortunate to work here.

Since 1976, China Suriname relations maintain healthy and stable development. Over the past few years, there has been close and frequent high-level exchanges between governments, legislatures, and political parties, including three times' meeting of President Xi with President Bouterse. Bilateral cooperation in various fields has borne rich fruits. China-funded infrastructure, housing, community centre project, to name a few, have contributed to the economic and social development of Suriname. Cultural and educational cooperation is deepening and people-to-people exchanges thriving. This May, both countries signed a memorandum of understanding on "one belt, one road" initiative, thus providing new impetus to bilateral relations. I am happy to see that China and Suriname have become good friends, good partners and good brothers who treat each other with sincerity and step forward hand in hand.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Last weekend, State Councilor and Foreign Minister of China, His Excellency Mr. Wang Yi made a historic official visit to Suriname, the first time by the Chinese Foreign Minister ever since the establishment of our diplomatic relations. During his visit, Mr. Wang Yi met with President Bouterse, held talks with Vice President Adhin, and Foreign Minister Pollack-Beighle. Both sides reached consensus on various cooperative issues and signed important documents on bilateral cooperation. As the Chinese Foreign Minister put it, China-Suriname cooperation is a model of South-South cooperation. We have every reason to believe in the brighter future of our collaboration in fields such as infrastructure, finance, agriculture, tourism and so on.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Since I took office, I could feel the keen expectation and genuine desire among people from all walks of life of Suriname for further development of our bilateral relationship. As the new Chinese ambassador, I am determined, with our joint effort, to consolidate and further promote our comprehensive partnership featuring equality, mutual respect, mutual benefit and common development, and I stand ready to work with you for a more peaceful, secure and prosperous world!

Now, please allow me to propose a toast,

To the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China,

To the friendship and cooperation between China and Suriname,

To the health of everyone present tonight.

Cheers!