(Beijing, 03 November 2016)
His Excellency.Mr. Sun Guoxiang, Special Envoy of Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China,
Her Excellency Mme. Yang Xiuping, Secretary-General of the ASEAN-China Centre,
ASEAN Ambassador and Colleagues,
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
First of all, it is a great honor and privilege for me to be invited to attend and deliver a speech at the Reception to commemorate the 5th Anniversary of the Establishment of ASEAN-China Centre tonight. On this auspicious occasion, on behalf of ASEAN colleagues and on my own behalf, I would like to express our sincere congratulations and thanks to ACC for hard work and valuable contributions it has been carried to promote ASEAN-China relations and cooperation along the years.
2016 is a significant year as it marks the 25th Anniversary ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations, ASEAN-China Year of Education Exchange, the 5st Anniversary of the Establishment of ASEAN-China Centre. With the joint efforts of both sides, the relations and cooperation between ASEAN and China have been developed and expanded into all areas, covering all aspects, trade, investment, education, culture, tourism and others. ASEAN-China relations have become the most active and the strongest among all the
relations between ASEAN and its dialogue partners.
Distinguished Guests, ladies and Gentlemen,
Over the past 5 years of the Establishment of the ASEAN-China Centre, serving as a bridge and platform, ACC has been actively played a crucial role in promoting and facilitating functional cooperation between ASEAN and China in the field of trade, investment, education, culture, tourism and information and public relations, which undoubtedly contributing to further strengthen and enhance communication and cooperation with all stakeholders of ASEAN and China at all levels. ACC’s role in promoting relations and functional cooperation between ASEAN and China has been widely welcomed and recognized by relevant institution of ASEAN and China.
I highly value the significant role of ACC, as information and activities centre, especially in the special year in 2016, under the leadership of H.E. Mme.Yang Xiuping, Secretary General, has fully played an important role in promoting and strengthening the ASEAN-China relations into a new height.
2017 will be the 50th anniversary of ASEAN, as well as the Year of ASEAN-China Tourism Cooperation, I do firmly believe that ACC would continue to promote exchanges and cooperation between ASEAN and China in relevant fields at every level, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both sides thus contributing to the social and economic development of the region.
I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm that ASEAN Embassies in Beijing would continue to extend its cooperation and support to ACC in
functioning its duties.
Distinguished Guests, ladies and Gentlemen,
As the Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2016, Laos successfully hosted the 28th and 29th ASEAN Summits and other related Summits, including the ASEAN-China Summit to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue relations in Vientiane in last September. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to all ASEAN member states, ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners, other external parties as well as friendly countries and regional and international organizations for the valuable assistance, support and cooperation given to Laos and look forward to your continued assistance and support for Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship until 31st December 2016 and in the coming years.
Finally, on behalf of ASEAN Ambassadors, colleagues and on my own behalf, may I wish the ASEAN-China Centre have a greater success in the coming years and wish all of you present here tonight good health and happiness. (Thank you)