H. E. Dr. Ghattas Khoury, Minister of Culture of the Lebanese Republic,

Dear Dr. Walid Moussallem, Director of the Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening!

It is my pleasure to be with you at the concert tonight, celebrating the upcoming 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

This is the third time that the seasonal opening concert has been collaborated by the Lebanese Ministry of Culture, Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra and the Chinese Embassy in Lebanon. The Chinese National Day Concert has become one of the important events within the framework of "China-Arab Cultural Journey along the Silk Road" initiated by the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

The artist to perform tonight is Mr. Yuan Jie, a Chinese pianist who enjoys reputation domestically and internationally. He has won prizes in various international piano competitions and has given concerts in over 500 cities from nearly 40 countries and regions.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This year marks the 40th anniversary of reform and opening-up for China and the 5th anniversary of the "Belt and Road" Initiative proposed by China.The reform and opening-up has not only profoundly changed China but also influenced the whole world in a positive way. In addition to that, Chinese proposals and solutions have brought fruitful results. In order to advance the great cause of building a community of shared future for mankind, China will carry on the reform and opening-up policy and promote the joint construction of "the Belt and Road" Initiative.

China has agreed to help Lebanon build the new Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music. We're working on this project in collaboration with relevant Lebanese government departments. The initial design that has been agreed upon is displayed here. We hope that the new Conservatory will become a center for art and cultural exchanges along the New Silk Road and a model for the promotion of "the Belt and Road" Initiative, especially for promoting broader mutual understanding among peoples. We hope that, in the near future, you will be invited to enjoy the performance by Chinese and Lebanese artists in the music hall of the new Conservatory.

Thank you and enjoy.