(By Chinese Embassy in Dominica)
2007/01/24
On December 20th, 2006, new Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of the Peoples' Republic of China to the
Commonwealth of Dominica H.E. Deng Boqing held his Post Assumption
Reception, which had the attendance of about 200 distinguished
guests including H.E. the President Nicholas J.O. Liverpool, Hon
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, Hon. Speaker of the House of
Assembly Alix Boyd-Knights, Hon. Foreign Minister Charles Savarin,
Hon. Minister for Legal Affairs Ian Douglas, Hon. Minister for
Education Vince Henderson, Hon. Minister for Tourism Ivor Nassief,
Hon. Minister for Economic Development and Planning Julius Timothy,
Hon. Minister for Agriculture Colin McIntyre, Hon. Minister for
Public Works Ambrose George, Hon. Minister in the Ministry of
Tourism Loreen Bannis-Roberts, Leader of the United Workers Party
Hon. Earl Williams, President of the UWP Hon. Ron Green,
Parliamentarians, members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives
of the overseas Chinese, Chinese technicians and agricultural
experts.
While addressing the reception, H.E. Ambassador Deng Boqing
said, the Commonwealth of Dominica is a picturesque "nature island"
with pleasant climate and friendly people. It is distant from
China. But the distance can never cut off friendship between the
two countries and two peoples, hold back the robust momentum of the
China-Dominica's friendly and cooperative relations. Since the
establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Dominica have
carried out fruitful exchanges and cooperation in the areas of
politics, economy, trade, culture, education and tourism. Facts
have proved that China-Dominica friendship is in the fundamental
interests of both countries and both peoples. The Chinese
Government highly appreciate the Dominican Government's adherence
to the one China principle and its valuable support on
Taiwan-related issues.
Ambassador Deng said, in the past 28 years since China embarked
on the reform and opening-up program, its economy has been growing
rapidly at an average annual rate of 9.7%. Facts have proved that
China's economic development not only benefits the Chinese people,
but also provides the whole world with more investment
opportunities and a bigger market.
Ambassador Deng pointed out, China is not developed and will
remain so for a long time to come, and it faces many difficulties
and challenges. China remains the biggest developing country in the
world with a large population, weak economic foundation and uneven
development.
The Chinese Ambassador stressed that the Chinese nation always
loves peace. The Chinese people completely realize that development
can only be sustained, reliable and conducive to both Chinese and
other peoples when it is achieved through peaceful means. China
will firmly adhere to the road of peaceful development, seeking
self-development by working for a peaceful international
environment and, at the same time, promoting world peace through
its own development.
H.E. Deng Boqing said he is greatly honored to be appointed
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Peoples'
Republic of China to the Commonwealth of Dominica. During his
posting, he will make every effort to strengthen the friendship
between the two peoples and promote the friendly and cooperative
relations between the two countries.
On behalf of the Dominican Government and people, Hon. Prime
Minister Roosevelt Skerrit extended the warm welcome and
congratulations to H.E. Ambassador Deng Boqing. He said Ambassador
Deng's arrival begun a new phase in China-Dominica relations. China
is a true and genuine friend of Dominica. The Dominican Government
and people thank the Chinese Government and people for the generous
assistance to Dominica, and appreciate that China speak in favor of
the Small Island Developing States including Dominica in the
international arena.
The Prime Minister reiterated the sincerity of his Government in
its support of the One-China Policy. He stated that his Government
has "no interest, or no intention or no thoughts, no aspiration to
seek to play the Two-China game". "This Government is very sincere
in its support of the One-China policy. This Government does not
pretend in public and in private say something else. We are true to
our word, we are sincere to our word and we shall stick to our
word", he said.
Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit said his Government and himself will
offer all assistance to H.E. Deng Boqing to make the Ambassador
live comfortably and sleep well in Dominica.
Hon. Foreign Minister Charles Savarin also delivered his
emotional speech.