Distinguished Mr. Kalnins, Chairman of Foreign Affairs Committee of the Saeima,

Distinguished Mr. Pildegovics, State Secretary of Foreign Ministry of Latvia,

Your Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Tonight, my wife and I are delighted to have you with us in celebration of the 66th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Latvia, I wish to extend our warmest welcome to all of you.

As you all know that Chinese President Xi Jinping has just concluded his first state visit to the United States and his first visit to the United Nations. President Xi’s visit is very fruitful and draws a wide attention from the international community. I think President Xi sends following clear messages to the world audience:

First, as two great nations, the effect of China-U.S. cooperation is larger than that of “one plus one equals two”. China is committed to building a new model of relationship of non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation with the United States, and wishes to make joint effort with the United States in addressing global issues concerning peace, development and security.

Second, pertinent to the existing international system, China is but a participant, builder, contributor as well as a beneficiary. Reforming and improving the existing international system does not mean starting it all over, yet it is meant to advance it towards a more justifiable and reasonable direction. China’s initiatives of “One Belt One Road” and the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank are open, transparent, inclusive, and outreaching to all interested parties.

Third, China is committed to the post-2015 development agenda, calls for an equitable, open, all-round and innovation-driven development path that no country should be left behind. In this regard, China pledges 2 billion US dollars to support South-South cooperation. China will also do its best to raise its investment in the least developed countries to 12 billion dollars by 2030.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the 70th anniversary of the World Anti-Fascist War. On September the 3rd we held a solemn commemoration of the occasion in Beijing. The experience of war makes people value peace all the more. The aim of our commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War is to bear history in mind, honor all those who laid down their lives, cherish peace and open up the future. China will stick to a path of peaceful development and we wish all other countries do the same, too.

Coming to the Chinese economy, despite the moderation in speed, the performance of the Chinese economy is stable and moving in a positive direction. The 7% growth achieved in the first half of the year is in fact among the highest of the world’s major economies, which contributed about 30% to the global growth in the same period. Although facing difficulties and downward pressure, the Chinese economy is still within the reasonable range, a state of “new normal”. We are fully confident that the economy of China is not heading for a “hard landing”.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I started my tour of duty in Latvia barely a month ago. In such a short time as it is, I have been much impressed by the sights and people of this beautiful land. Latvia is truly worthy of the name “Pearl of the Baltic”. It is even more comforting to see that China-Latvia relations have made considerable progress in recent years. Our leaders have close contact with each other, our pragmatic cooperation has new achievements, and our people have deeper mutual understanding. Agricultural products with special Latvian characteristic including dairy products have successfully entered the Chinese market. Latvian exports to China increased 19% indicating a more balanced two way trade. The two sides also keep close communication on transport and logistics cooperation. Last year, a record number of 25,000 Chinese tourists visited Latvia. High level exchange of art and cultural groups are frequent as well.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

For the past two decades or so since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Latvia, we have treated Latvia as a good friend and a reliable partner in the Baltic region and in the EU. As the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic Latvia, I have solid confidence in the potentials and prospects of China-Latvia relations. I wish to work with the government and people of Latvia as well as all those who support the development of China-Latvia relations to further deepen and enhance the bilateral relationship.

On that note, may I propose a toast,

To the prosperity of the People’s Republic of China and that of the Republic Latvia,

To the friendship between the people of China and Latvia, and,

To the good health of all of you present tonight, cheers!