Speech by Ambassador Wang Fukang at the Reception Marking 65th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China
(29th September 2014, Kurumba Maldives)
Honourable Speaker Maseeh,
Honourable Ministers, MPs, Judges, High Commissioners,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentleman,
It is a distinct honour to have you at thereception marking 65th anniversary of the People's Republic of China.
Over the 65 years, and especially since our reform and opening up 35 years ago, China has realised tremendous achievement in nation building and human development, and made positive contribution to the world peace and prosperity.
Over the 65 years, China’s economy hasincreased from 100 billion USD to 9.3 trillion USD in 2013. And with an estimated growth of 7.4% in 2014, it is expected to reach 10 trillion USD this year, ranking number 2 in the world.
Over the 65 years, China's GDP per capitajumped from 35 USD to more than 6800USD. China’s human development index has been lifted from 0.407 in 1980 to 0.699 in 2013, marking the fastest improvement among all the countries.
Over the 65 years, China has become the largest trading partner to over 120 countries and regions, importing nearly 2 trillion USDworth of goods each year and contributing to 30% of the world economic growth.
However, we are not content with and will not rest on what we have achieved.
We are still the biggest developing country. We still have a long way to go in our reform and opening up.
We are still working hard to pursue the Chinese Dream, aiming to bring benefits to all the people, including people of the neighbouring countries like Maldives.
Ladies and Gentleman, while we look back at what China has achieved in the past 65 years, I wish to also share with you the progress we have made this year in China-Maldives relations:
In January, the Chinese Embassy opened the first Chinese visa service in Male’. So far, nearly 2000 Maldivians have applied visasat our Embassy, which is four times of thetotal number last year.
In February, the first solar power project built by Chinese company was launched in Thinadhoo.
In March, President Yameen and President Xi exchanged correspondences for the first time, condemning terrorist attack in China.
In April, the first bilateral training programme was conducted in China for Maldivian Police Service.
In May, the City of Shenzhen and the City of Male has become the first sister cities between China and Maldives.
In June, Vice President Jameel made his first official visit to China and attended China-South Asia EXPO in Kunming.
In July, we hosted the first China Maldivesmedia seminar.
In August, President Yameen made his first official visit to China and attended theNanjing Youth Olympics.
In September, President Xi Jinping made his first State Visit to Maldives, and alsobecame the first Chinese head of statevisiting Maldives.
Ladies and Gentleman, It is evident to all that China-Maldives relations are making breakthroughs with every passing month, and indeed with every passing day, as the number of Chinese tourists arriving inMaldives are always the first among all other countries!
However, the most significant breakthrough, as we all know, is the historical exchange of visits by our two heads of state, in just 1 month!
Through the visits, both sides agreed toconsolidate our traditional friendship and strengthen our cooperation.
Both sides agreed to upgrade our relations toa Future-Oriented All-round Friendly and Cooperative Partnership.
Both sides agreed to join efforts in buildingthe 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.
Both sides also agreed to jointly promote theMale’-Hulhule’ Bridge project and name it“China-Maldives Friendship Bridge”.
All these are strong evidence that China-Maldives relations are stronger than ever, closer than ever, and with a future brighter than ever!
Ladies and Gentleman, China and Maldivesshare the common goal for peace and prosperity, while the Chinese and Maldivian people also share the common dream forprogress and development.
That is why China will continue to share development opportunities with Maldivesthrough win-win cooperation as President Xi pledged in his recent visit to Maldives.
We believe the Future-Oriented All-round Friendly and Cooperative Partnershipbetween China and Maldives will bring more opportunities and benefits to both countries, and achieve more dreams for our two peoples.
We believe the Chinese Dream is inextricably linked with the Dream ofMaldivians.
And we believe the future of China is coherently connected to the future of Maldives.
Ladies and Gentleman, may I propose a toast,
To the 65th Anniversary of the People’s Republic of China,
To the peace and prosperity of the Republic of Maldives,
To the partnership between China and Maldives,
And to the friendship and cooperationbetween the Chinese and Maldivian people!
Cheers!