Analytics, China, Direct Speech, Forum, Latvia

Photo by V. Starkov.

Honorable Ministers, Honourable MPs, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen:

Good evening! In a few days we shall usher in the Chinese Lunar New Year. On the occasion of the upcoming Year of Snake, firstly I wish to extend, on behalf of my wife and the Chinese Embassy, our festival greetings and best New Year wishes.

How time flies. This is the third Spring Festival I've spent in Latvia, and also the last one as a diplomat spends out of China. It is beyond my words to express how much I feel sorry that I have to leave. Owing to time limitation, I could not bid farewell to all one by one. So I wish to take the occasion, to express our sincere gratitude and once again refresh memories of our friendship.

In 2012, the Chinese People has overcome numerous difficulties and achieved 7.8% GDP growth rate, made new contribution to the recovery of world economy.

Two and a half years on since my posting, I have witnessed with pleasure the steady progress of Sino-Latvia relations. The mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries develops smoothly. Latvia has become an important partner of China in the Baltic region. In 2011, we celebrated with colorful activities the 20th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between China and Latvia. In 2012, our two Prime Ministers met twice in a year. Avoiding European Debt Crises, our bilateral trade has been maintaining growth against the tide in recent years. Last year the figure amounted to $1.39 billion, reaching a year-on-year growth of 10%, among which, export to China has increased by 9%. For particular noteworthy, the successful holding of Global China Business Meeting in Latvia, has fostered our economic & trade cooperation with a new starting point, helping make our all-fronts cooperation even more closer and tangible. It is therefore my belief that our joint efforts shall bring about more benefits to our both peoples.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Those progress and achievements cannot be made without the support and help of the Latvian government and friends from all circles. It is our joint goal to vigorously promote mutually beneficial cooperation. And it is our common wish to deepen our sincere friendship. On saying goodbye, I will always cherish our times together and friendship. As a Chinese poet said, "distance cannot separate bosom friends, who feel neighboring each other even when they are thousands of miles apart". My wife and I will continue to follow and support the ongoing development of the Sino-Latvia friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation. I also hope that everyone will keep up your support as ever to the incoming new ambassador, so as to advance the Sino-Latvia relations to a new level.

In conclusion, now please join me in the toast to the friendly relations between our two countries, and to everyone's health, Cheers!

Uz veselību!