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——Speech by Ambassador Xie Bohua at the First Chinese Cultural Day
Embassy of China in Vanuatu (Provided by the Embassy of China in Vanuatu)(Provided by the Embassy of China in Vanuatu)
Honorable President Abil,
Honorable Deputy Prime Minister Lini,
Ladies and gentlemen:
Thank you all for attending the First Chinese Cultural Day event. In six days, it will be the Chinese New Year, the most important traditional festival in China, akin to Christmas and Family Day in Vanuatu. During the Spring Festival, people visit relatives and friends, exchange gifts, and strengthen bonds. Even those far away will rush home to celebrate with their families and pray for blessings in the new year. The Spring Festival embodies the cultural core of the Chinese people, emphasizing respect for the elderly, love for the young, and the importance of family and kinship. Today, with the joy of the upcoming Spring Festival, we hold the Chinese Cultural Day event to share the happiness of the New Year with the people of Vanuatu!
In November last year, the Communist Party of China held its 18th National Congress, electing a new central leadership collective with Comrade Xi Jinping as General Secretary. The report of the 18th Congress reiterated that China will continue to support developing countries, including Vanuatu, in enhancing their capacity for independent development, and support developing countries in expanding their representation and voice in international affairs, always being a reliable friend and sincere partner to developing countries.
Over the past 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Vanuatu, both sides have maintained close high-level exchanges, achieved significant results in economic and trade cooperation, and deepened cultural exchanges, maintaining good communication and coordination on regional and international issues. As President Abil said: "China is Vanuatu's best friend."
For these two great nations, mutual respect and understanding should be the main theme of their exchanges. Respect means acknowledging the diversity of world civilizations and development paths. Understanding means embracing different cultures and values with an open mind. Only by learning from each other with an inclusive and humble attitude can we complement each other's cultures. China has no selfish interests in Vanuatu and will not compete with other countries. Our only goal is to help the people of Vanuatu develop their economy, escape poverty, and embark on the path of prosperity and strength based on mutual respect and understanding. China will continue to provide assistance to the government and people of Vanuatu to the best of its ability.
Friendship between nations lies in the affection between their peoples, and exchanges between people are an important foundation for bilateral relations. So far, more than 400 people have received Chinese government scholarships and participated in short-term training in China, and many friends present today have studied and trained in China. In less than six months since taking office, I have met several Vanuatu government officials and young people who speak fluent Chinese. Our two Chinese teachers at the Vila Central School and LYCEE French School have sparked increasing interest among Vanuatu children in Chinese culture. For 30 years, Chinese medical teams have treated and saved lives in Vanuatu, providing medical care and medicine, and have been welcomed and loved by the local people. Priscilla Tommy, who has only been playing for four years, historically won the women's table tennis championship at the South Pacific Games under the guidance of Chinese coaches. The Vanuatu pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo attracted visitors equivalent to 30 times the population of Vanuatu. Chinese kung fu superstar Jackie Chan was welcomed by thousands in Port Vila and Tanna Island last year, showcasing the mysterious Tanna Island and the magnificent Mount Yasur to the world through his film "Chinese Zodiac."
This Chinese Cultural Day is a window for exchanges between the peoples of China and Vanuatu. The Chinese Embassy in Vanuatu will continue to promote personnel exchanges and cultural exchanges between China and Vanuatu, providing more and better opportunities for young people from Vanuatu to study and train in China, striving to let more Chinese people understand Vanuatu and let more Vanuatu people recognize and understand China and Chinese culture. I hope everyone enjoys tonight's gathering, experiences Chinese culture, and has a pleasant evening.
Thank you.