张炎大使在柯棣华诞辰100周年纪念活动上的讲话（英文版）

Speech by Amb. Zhang Yan on the Occasion of the Centennial of the Birth of Dr. Dwarkanath Shantaram Kotnis<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Oct. 8, 2010, New Delhi

Com. Sitaram Yechury, Com.D. Raja,

Com. Mao Rubai & Friends,

Indeed it is a great honor for me to attend this important gathering commemorating the centennial of the birth of Dr. Dwarkanath Shantaram Kotnis, hosted by All India Peace and Solidarity Organisation (AIPSO). We are very happy to have Com. Mao Rubai and the Chinese delegation with us today. They come to India this time purposely for this event. It shows how great importance the Chinese side attached to Dr. Kotnis’ commemoration. More significantly, this commemoration coincides with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic ties between China and India.

Dr. Kotnis was a great son of India and a great friend of China. At the time when Chinese people were fighting against the Japanese imperialist’s aggression, he and his colleagues travelled far to China and he sacrificed his life for the noble and just cause of Chinese people. We still remember the statement Dr. Kotnis made before his departure for China in 1938, “Upon reaching China, I will definitely do a good job and earn good name for my family, India and my hometown”. He lived up to his words with deeds. Chinese people have remembered Dr. Kontis and his colleagues for their invaluable contribution. As Chairman Mao Zedong pointed out that “we should never forget Dr. Kotnis’ internationalist spirit.”

China and India are two great countries enjoying long history of friendship. We share a lot in common, and supported and cooperated with each other over the years. Today, we are two fast emerging economies in the world. Based on the strategic partnership cooperation, our bilateral relations are developing in an all around manner. We should follow the footsteps of Dr. Kotnis, and make new contribution to the enhancement of mutual understanding and mutual beneficiary cooperation between China and India. The Chinese People’s Association for Peace and Disarmament and the All India Peace and Solidarity Organization, two influential organizations in China and India, already have done a lot of meaningful work, and surely can play more important role in this regard. I am confident that with our joint efforts, we will boost our relationship to a new height, which will not only serve the interest of our two peoples. But also benefit the peace and prosperity of the world at large.

Thanks.