Your Excellency Mr. Kassem Hashem, Representative of Speaker Nabih Berri,

Your Excellency Minister. Abdul Mottalib Henawi, Representative of Prime Minister Tammam Salam,

Your Excellency Secretary-General Wafic Rahimi, Representative of Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil,

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests,

Members of the Chinese Community in Lebanon,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

    We are gathered here tonight to celebrate the 66th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. On behalf of the Chinese embassy, I wish to extend a warm welcome to all the distinguished guests present. I also want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to all the friends who have given support to the cause of China-Lebanon friendship over the years.

    This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of the world anti-fascist war. I believe it was quite an emotional moment for all of us Chinese here when the Chinese national anthem was played just now. The anthem was written during the Chinese people's war of resistance against Japanese aggression. It was a war that lasted 14 years and cost our nation millions of lives. Its victory was crucial to the global defeat of fascism and set our ancient country on a great new journey. Over the past 66 years since the founding of the People's Republic, especially in the past 30 years since reform and opening-up, China has put development at the top of its agenda and found the right path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, thus bringing about historic changes to the country. More than 600 million people have been lifted out of poverty. The economy has become the second largest in the world. And China's international standing and influence have risen significantly. We are proud of what we have achieved and we are fully confident about our future. We are making steady progress toward the "two centenary goals" we have set for ourselves and we will achieve the Chinese dream of great national renewal.

    This year also marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. As a founding member of the UN and permanent member of its Security Council, China upholds the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and basic norms governing international relations. We are committed to peaceful development. We aim to foster a new type of international relations featuring win-win cooperation and a global community of shared future.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

    Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1971, China and Lebanon have always respected each other and treated each other on an equal footing. We have given each other firm support on issues concerning core interests and major concerns. We have had fruitful cooperation on economy and trade, education, people-to-people exchange and science and technology and we have maintained close communication and coordination in regional and international affairs. The past year has witnessed new and even greater progress in bilateral cooperation.

--Political mutual trust has deepened. Last May, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Wang Zhengwei visited Lebanon. The leaders of the two countries reached broad agreement on further promoting cooperation across the board.

--Business cooperation has produced new results. In May, the sixth China-Arab Business Conference was held here in Beirut. In fact, in this very hall. More than 500 Chinese and Arab business leaders gathered together to explore possibilities for cooperation. The conference will go a long way in enhancing China's cooperation with Lebanon and the Arab world as a whole.

--People-to-people exchange is flourishing. So far this year, over 100 Lebanese of various professions have participated in seminars and workshops in China to share experience with their Chinese counterparts. In May, Saint Joseph University held, for the first time, the Chinese Bridge language contest and lots of young Lebanese students took part in that event. I am deeply impressed by the growing interest of the Lebanese friends in learning the Chinese language and culture. In June, a delegation from cities of China's Shaanxi province visited Lebanon and signed letters of intent on establishing sister city relationship with Beirut, Beit Mery and Hammana, marking a breakthrough in local cooperation between the two countries.

--Military cooperation has intensified. Many people from the Lebanese army visited China and had productive exchanges with the Chinese People's Liberation Army. China sent an additional 200 peacekeeping personal to UNIFIL for construction tasks. Since their deployment, Chinese peacekeepers have done a good job in the mission areas and won the recognition of UNIFIL and the government and people of Lebanon. And I can't wait to see the cultural performance they are going to present in just a few minutes.

    As developing countries, China and Lebanon have a shared task to develop the economy and improve people's livelihood. Over the years, China has done what it can to support Lebanon, and this year, we have offered new assistance to Lebanon. Many of our assistance projects are already making a difference for the local population, such as solar street lights on express ways, medical equipment at hospitals and computers for students to surf the Internet at schools.

    We applaud the generous help that the Lebanese people provide to the Syrian refugees, and we have also given a helping hand. Not long ago, a new shipment of assistance materials from China arrived at the Beirut port, and the materials will help both the refugees and host communities better meet the challenges. Going forward, China will continue to provide various types of assistance to Lebanon as our ability permits.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

    Two thousand years ago, the ancient Silk Road formed a unique bond between our two countries. Today, the "One Belt One Road" initiative has made that bond even closer. We are ready to work with Lebanon toward a future of closer win-win cooperation and stronger bilateral relationship. And I have every confidence that we can achieve that goal!

    Thank you!