(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.