(Beirut, 28 September 2016)

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening. Welcome to the Chinese National Day Reception. Thank you for joining us in celebrating the 67th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Over the past 67 years, the world has witnessed China's rapid progress and profound transformation. In the year of 2016, China kept up the good work:

We steadfastly deepened reform in an all-round way, pursued an innovation-driven development strategy and opened up wider.

In the first half of this year, the GDP growth rate was 6.7%. China successfully launched both the quantum satellite and the Tiangong-2 space lab. A number of symbol projects of "the Belt and Road" implemented. In September, The G20 Summit was held in Hangzhou, China. China upholds the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, works for sustainable developments and a steady recovery of the global economy. China has all along worked for the peaceful settlement of hot spot issues, and has taken an active part in international cooperation in counter-terrorism and non-proliferation. China supports international efforts to address the refugee issue, and will provide humanitarian assistance worth in total US$300 million to relevant countries and international organizations.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the China-Lebanon diplomatic relations. Ever since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1971, the political mutual trust has deepened. In May 2016, Lebanese Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Doha before the 7th Ministerial Meeting of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum and reached new cooperation consensus.

China deeply sympathizes with the sufferings of Lebanese people. Since 2010, China has provided aids worth in total RMB 550 million to Lebanon, including street lights with solar panels and all kinds of office supplies. In order to help the Syrian refugees, China has already donated materials total worth of RMB 45 million and a cash aid of US$2 million. This year, we will provide Lebanon with a new shipment of grain and materials. Those Chinese medical equipment, tents and articles for daily use met the most urgent needs of refugees, and elevated their humanitarian situation.

The key to sound relations between states lies in the affinity between their peoples. This year, we invited more than 200 persons from various areas to visit China by attending conferences, joining training programs, conducting field study and doing interviews and reports. We support artists and art groups from our two countries to exchange visits and performances.We organized series of activities to celebrate the 45th anniversary of our diplomatic relations, as well as the 10th anniversary of the founding of the Confucius Institute in Saint Joseph University.

China offered its help to the capacity building of Lebanese Armed Force. During 2013-2015, China provided logistics and combat equipment to the LAF, worth of RMB 45 million. Not long ago, 83 Field generators was handed over to the LAF. In 2016, China is planning to deliver more materials and equipment, with a total worth of RMB 30 million. There are 410 Chinese peacekeepers currently on mission in Lebanon, as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Chinese peacekeeping force has won the respect and admiration of UNIFIL and the Lebanese people.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have resumed the duty of ambassador for more than a month now, and I felt deeply that Lebanon's influence and weight far surpass its size. With advanced commerce, press and publication industries and abundant emigrants resources, Lebanon is sure to play a unique role in jointly building "the Belt and Road". I am willing to extend connection with Lebanese friends from all walks of life, deepen friendship and strengthen all-round cooperation. I am confident that, with your help, I will have a pleasant tenure in Lebanon.

Thank you.