驻巴布亚新几内亚大使仇伯华在到任招待会上的致辞（英文版）

Speech by H.E. Ambassador Qiu Bohua At the Reception on the Occasion of his Assumption of Office<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

July 29, 2010

Hon.Samuel Abal, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration,
Hon.Cabinet Ministers,
Hon. Members of National Parliament,
Excellencies and heads of the Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen:

It's indeed a special honor for my wife and me to have you with us here this evening. Thank you so much for your kind presence. We have been here only for about 60 days, but the warm hearted people and the attractive land of PNG have left us a very deep impression. I feel I have fallen in love with this beautiful country. I take it for granted PNG now is my home far away from home.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to review a bit about the rapid development of China-PNG relations. I feel very much encouraged that the friendly relations and mutual beneficial cooperation between our two countries have reached a new height. For example, last year, in April, the Rt.Hon.Prime Minister Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare paid an official vist to China, H.E. Mr. Li Keqiang, Vice Premier of China also paid an official visit to PNG in November last year. Besides that, the leaders of our two countries have regular bilateral meetings during APEC and other international arenas. PNG has become the largest trade partner and investment destination country of China among the south pacific island countries. In the year 2009, our bilateral trade reached nearly 900 million US dollars. MCC's US$ 1.4 billion investment project of Ramu Nico mine is a win-win cooperation project between China and PNG. We hope to complete the construction soon to put new vigor into the economic development of PNG. China's Sinopec concluded Sale and Purchase Agreement with the relevant parties of PNG LNG project. The preparation of construction of the PNG International Convention Centre with China's aid is underway. I am sure in a not distant future, a brand new Convention Centre will appear at the place near the parliament building giving PNG more opportunities to host international events.

Hundreds of PNG students were granted Chinese Government Scholarships to undertake degree studies in China. Over 200 government officials and technical personal from different sectors went to China for training for various programs. Official good-will visits between the military leaders of our two countries became the highlights of the exchange and cooperation between our two armies.

Another aspect I want to mention to you is that the Chinese Medical Team has been working very hard side by side with PNG doctors in POM General Hospital to fight against all the diseases including HIV/ AIDS pandemics. The term of each team is two years. This is the fourth team. They spare no efforts working quietly without any publicity to deliver medical service to local people while leaving their family members behind in China. Their sacrifices and contributions have really touched me.

My thanks and appreciation also goes to the Chinese community in PNG. Some of you have been working and living here for years, some even for generations becoming part of PNG society. Your contribution to the development of PNG is widely recognized by both sides of China and PNG. I sincerely hope that your will continue to follow the law and regulations of PNG in doing business, make friends with local people, deliver service to the public, build bridges of mutual understanding between our two countries.

Papua New Guinea is a beautiful island country in the south pacific with rich resources. The PNG people are hardworking and very kind. Over the past 35 years since independence, the government and people of PNG have made unremitting efforts and achieved great success in upholding state sovereignty and independence, developing national economy and promoting social progress. As the most powerful country among south pacific islands countries, PNG is playing an important role in regional and international affairs. The impression I have got through talking to the people from different parties and sectors, through visiting different places is that they all recognize the importance of peace, stabilities and development of PNG. I have enough reason to believe that so long as all the people are united as one, PNG will have a very dynamic and powerful economy in a not distant future with the implementation of 2030 strategic plan and 2050 vision.

As the new Chinese Ambassador to PNG, I am fully aware of my responsibilities. I will do my utmost to fulfill my duties by further strengthening China-PNG political mutual trust facilitating all-round cooperation between our two counties, promoting understanding and friendship between our two peoples.

I also wish to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your commitment and support for promoting China-PNG friendship and cooperation and for your valuable support the Chinese Embassy and my predecessors. I sincerely hope that I can continue to count on your kind support in the years to come. I'm looking forward to working closely with you to put China-PNG relations to a new stage!

Thank you.