Your Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas,
His Lordship the Honourable Sir Hartman Longley, Chief Justice
Colleague of the Diplomatic Corps and the Honorary Consular Corps,
Representatives from the Bahamas-China Friendship Association, Local Chinese Community and Chinese enterprises in The Bahamas,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good evening!
May I thank all of you for attending my arrival reception. First of all, on behalf of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas , I would like to extend a warm welcome to all friends present tonight.
The Bahamas is an important country in the Caribbean. It has made a series of achievements in economic and social development in recent years, and played an important role in regional and international affairs. I feel greatly honored to be able to work in this beautiful country. Over the past month since taking office, I have been deeply impressed by the scenery of the Bahamas, the hospitality of its people as well as the colorful culture of Junkanoo.
Despite the geographical distance and the cultural difference between China and The Bahamas, the bilateral friendly and cooperative relations have been developed steadily since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1997. Particularly in recent years, under the guidance of the leaders of our two countries through their frequent meetings, the mutual understanding and trust have been deepened, bilateral trade volume has been keeping rising and exchanges and cooperation in culture, sports, health care and other fields have been flourishing. In 2015, President Xi Jinping held cordial and friendly talks with the Prime Minister Perry Christie while the Prime Minister was attending the first ministerial meeting of China-CELAC Forum in Beijing. Furthermore, the Agreement on Mutual Exemption of Visa between China and The Bahamas came into effect in 2014 , and the Air Service Agreement was initialed by the civil aviation authorities of the two countries in 2015. All of these injected strong vigor into the development of bilateral relations and brought tangible benefits to our two peoples.
I am well aware that these achievements can not be possible without the support of the two governments and the two peoples as well as the overseas Chinese and Bahamian friends from all walks of life. The overseas Chinese in the Bahamas have long kept the fine tradition of hard work and solidarity, and been committed to carrying forward Chinese culture , thus serving as a bridge and bond between China and The Bahamas. I wish to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks and highest respect to all walks of Bahamian friends, the overseas Chinese and personnel of Chinese enterprises who have long been committed to China-Bahamas friendship.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Given the global economic downturn, China's economy achieved a 6.9% growth in 2015, contributing over 25% to global economic growth. The 13th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development, introduced by the Chinese government this March, outlines a blueprint for China to comprehensively deepen the reform. The next five years are the decisive stage for China to complete building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. China are following the vision of innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development, and maintain the sound and steady economic and social development. The Chinese government will unswervingly adhere to the path of peaceful development and uphold opening strategies of mutual benefits and win-win result. Moreover, China is willing to develop friendly cooperation with other countries on the basis of Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. China's prosperity and development will bring about tremendous development opportunities for all over the world including The Bahamas.
As the 8th Chinese Ambassador to the Bahamas, I am keenly aware of the great responsibilities on myself. I will do my utmost to fulfill my duties and look forward to working with Bahamian government and friends from all walks of life to promote the China-Bahamas friendly cooperative relations to a new level for the benefit of our two peoples.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Now, may I propose a toast,
To the continuous development of China-Bahamas relations,
To the everlasting friendship between our two peoples,
To the health of all our guests present,
Cheers!