Speech by Ambassador Guo Min at the reception in celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China
2019-09-27 14:04

 

Dear Mr. Chairman Ogtai Asadov,

 

Ladies and gentlemen, friends,

 

Good evening! On the occasion of the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, I’m sincerely delighted and grateful to gather together with friends from all walks of life in Azerbaijan, the diplomatic envoys of various countries in Azerbaijan and the overseas Chinese in Azerbaijan to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the founding of New China. First of all, please allow me, on behalf of all the colleagues of the Embassy of China in Azerbaijan, to extend a warm welcome and sincere gratitude to all of you who join us today.

 

Over the past 70 years, under the firm leadership of the Communist Party of China, the hardworking and intelligent Chinese people relied on their own efforts and worked assiduously, in just a few decades they have transformed the Old China with poverty and blankness, suffering from gun smoke and flames of war,which has thousand things undone, into the second largest economy, the largest manufacturing country, the largest exporter of goods trade, second largest importer, the second largest country of Foreign capital inflow in the world today. Foreign exchange reserve of China ranks first in the world for many years in succession. China becomes a major international influential country in the world today. We have taken a road of socialism with Chinese characteristics in line with our national conditions, and realized a great leap from standing up, getting rich to becoming strong. Especially since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the new Central Leadership with Xi Jinping as General Secretary has led the whole Party and people of China in confronting the problems and challenges they face: to drive reform and opening up to a deeper level, to modernize the national governance system, and to marshal their enormous strength behind the Chinese Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.   

 

At present, China has become the largest trading partner of more than 130 countries around the world. The contribution rate of China to global economic growth has remained around 30% for many years, ranking first in the world for 13 consecutive years. China becomes the "anchor of stability" of global peaceful development, The "engine" of the world's prosperity and progress and the "booster motor" of win-win cooperation among countries. Following the spirit of the Charter of the United Nations, China has earnestly fulfilled its international responsibilities and obligations and remains the country with the largest number of UN peacekeepers. China has also put forward the "One Belt One Road" initiative and promoted the construction of new international relations and Building a community with shared future for mankind. It has contributed to China's wisdom in the transformation of the global governance system and showed great power responsibility.

 

As early as more than 2000 years ago, merchants and camels broke down on the ancient Silk Road, opening a historical chapter in the exchanges between Chinese and Azerbaijani people. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Azerbaijan 27 years ago, the two sides always insist on respecting each other, treating each other as equals, and cooperating with mutual benefits. China-Azerbaijan relations have maintained a steady, healthy and vigorous development and become a model of communication and cooperation between countries. China regards Azerbaijan as a friendly neighbor, reliable friend and important partner of the Eurasian region and will develop bilateral relations with Azerbaijan as one of its diplomatic priorities. Now we live in a world that is undergoing profound changes, unseen in a century. The development of China-Azerbaijan relations has also ushered in an unprecedented strategic opportunity.

 

In the year of 2019, high-level exchanges between our two countries remained close and political mutual trust continued to deepen. In April, President Ilham Aliyev was invited to China to attend the 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and successfully met with Chairman Xi Jinping to reach an important consensus on further developing bilateral relations and pragmatic cooperation in various fields. From September 19 to 21, by the invitation of Chairman of National Assembly of Azerbaijan Mr. Ogtai Asadov , Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of Chian Mr. Li Zhanshu has conducted an official friendly visit to Azerbaijan. During the visit, Chairman Li Zhanshu held fruitful meetings with President Ilham Aliyev, Chairman of the Azerbaijan National Assembly Oktai Asadov and Prime Minister Novruz Mamedov. With the joint efforts of both sides, the visit was a complete success, which has not only further expanded and deepened the exchanges and cooperation between the legislative bodies of the two countries, but also injected strong momentum into bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields between China and Azerbaijan. Here, I would like to express my special thanks to Mr. Oktai Asadov and the Azerbaijan National Assembly for their thoughtful and meticulous arrangements for the Chinese delegation to ensure the success of this visit.

 

At a time when bilateral relations between China and Azerbaijan are facing new historical opportunities, I feel greatly honored to serve as Ambassador of China to Azerbaijan, at the meantime I am fully aware of the heavy responsibility lies on my shoulder. I am willing to work together with the Azerbaijani government and friends from all walks of life to promote China-Azerbaijani cooperation in various fields to continuously reach new achievements, enrich the content of China's friendly relations and cooperation with Azerbaijan, bringing tangible benefits to our countries and its people.

 

Ladies and gentlemen, friends!

 

We have all past 70 unforgettable and fruitful years. The Chinese nation that has come from history is moving forward with the people of all ethnic groups in the world in a more open and inclusive manner. To conclude, I would like to propose a toast, to the 70th Anniversary of the founding of People’s Republic of China, to the friendship between China and Azerbaijan, and to the health of everyone here tonight.

 

Thank you!