Dear UNIFIL Force Commander, Gen Del Col,

Dear Col Nicolas Tabet, on behalf of South Litani Sector Commander,

Dear Qaemaqam of Tyre, Mr Jaafar,

Ladies and Gentlemen, dear friends:

 

Good morning! At this junction of the traditional Chinese Spring Festival, we gather here and celebrate the arriving of spring. On behalf of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Lebanon I would like to welcome every friend present today and to convey greetings to all Chinese Peacekeepers in UNIFIL.

Since Spring Festival marks the beginning of Chinese lunar new year, is the most important festival of the Chinese. As the ancient Chinese saying goes, "All things take on a new look in a new year". This occasion carries wishes for a happy life and a bright future. After working for a year, families reunite at home, enjoy the happy hours, aspiring to the revival of all things, expecting prosperity of the country and peace of its people. 2019 coincides with the 70 anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, therefore this year would be a milestone in the Chinese history. Chinese people look forward to building the country better and will continue striving to realize it. At the same time, they commit themselves to development and win-win cooperation with people from different countries for a closer community of shared future for mankind.

Music is the universal language and peace is the eternal hope of mankind. Today, musicians from Chong Qing, China, will present a splendid concert to convey greetings to the Chinese Peacekeepers and to share this joyful moment with all UNIFIL TCCs. The choir of CPAFFC, namely Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, will also present the "Ode to Peace" which has a special meaning to southern Lebanon.

Under the leadership of Force Commander Gen Del Col, UNIFIL played a crucial role in maintaining the peace of southern Lebanon. All UNIFIL peacekeeping forces, including Chinese peacekeepers, stationed far away from their motherlands and loved ones, doing their best to ensure the stability of another country, practicing the UN oath of keeping world peace. Hereby, I would like to express my sincere appreciation and pay tribute to your hard efforts.

I wish the Chinese Peacekeepers and their families a great happy Spring Festival and all the best in the new year. May 2019 bring good luck to all present here. May the music and singing bring peace to this beautiful land.

Thank you.