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Respected Prof. Balveer Arora, Rector, Jawaharlal Nehru University,
Respected Prof. Pande, Dean, School of Language, Literature & Culture Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University,
Respected Dr. Sabaree Mitra, Dr. Peepak,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
To celebrate the 55th Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the Chinese Embassy in India and the Center of Chinese and South East Asian Studies of Jawaharlal Nehru University are jointly holding the 'China Week'. May I first extend, on behalf of the Chinese Embassy, my warmest welcome to Prof. Balveer Arora, Rector, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Prof. Pande, Dean, School of Language, Literature & Culture Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and all the distinguished guests who are present today. I would also like to give my heart-felt thanks to Dr. Sabaree Mitra for the large amount preparation work she has done to make this China Week possible.
China and India are the great ancient civilizations with time-honored history and splendid culture. Both have made ineffaceable contributions to the development of human civilization, which always prides the two countries and their peoples.
China and India are friendly neighboring countries, whose profound traditional friendship and close cultural exchanges could date back to the ancient times. The world-renowned Silk Road not only witnessed the commercial exchanges between our two countries, but also bridged our cultural exchanges in the past 2000 years.
Both China and India are big countries in Asia. The development of our relationship has great impact on the peace and stability of Asia and even of the world. We are both developing countries, sharing the same objectives of developing economy, improving the livelihood of people, carrying forward cultural heritages and promoting the pluralism of world culture. Therefore, it is in accordance with the fundamental interests of the Chinese and Indian peoples to further improve our mutual understanding and friendship.
Since the reform and opening-up over 20 years ago, China has made a series of important achievements, including the return of Hong Kong and Macao to China, China's entry into the WTO, successful bidding in the Olympics and World Expo. and first manned space flight. The continued improvement of people's livelihood and population quality has enabled China to take on a brand new look in front of the world. H.E. Mr. Wen Jiabao, Premier of the State Council of China, once said, 'The China of yesterday was a great ancient country that created a splendid civilization. The China of today is country engaged in reform and opening-up and a rising power dedicated to peace. The China of tomorrow will be a great country that ardently loves peace and that is full of hope.' As an important part of the 'China Week', the photography exhibition 'Rediscover of China' showcases the past, present and future of China. More will be shown on the same topic through the Chinese newsreels and feature films during the week. We hope that the 'China Week' will help the Indian people learn more about Chinese history and culture, promote the cultural exchanges between our two countries and enhance the mutual understanding and friendship between our two peoples.
Finally, I wish the 'China Week' a great success!
Thank you!
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