Honorable Speaker Nograles,

Honorable Senator Angara,

Honorable leaders of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Associations of the Philippines

Honorable Q i Xuetian, Head of the Chinese National Dance Ensemble of Wuxi city,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening!

Today marks both the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of the Philippines and the 7th Philippine-China Friendship Day. On such a special day of historic significance in our bilateral history, may I extend, on behalf of the Chinese Government and people, my cordial greetings and best wishes to the Philippine people and also my warmest welcome to all the distinguished guests present this evening!

Thirty-three years are only a twinkling second in the history of our thousand-year-old relations. However, the past 33 years have witnessed the fastest development of our bilateral ties and the most fruitful cooperation. Thanks to the common efforts made by our two Governments and two Peoples, we have traversed a glorious course over the past 33 years. Especially in recent years, we maintained frequent exchange of high level visits. The pragmatic cooperation in various fields, including economic and trade collaboration, investment, tourism and culture has been further deepened and brought about substantial fruits that promotes the development of the friendly cooperative relations between our two countries and make great contributions to peace, stability and prosperity in our region as well.

As Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, I'm well aware that our amicable relations today do not come by easily. It is the result of the concerted efforts made by our two governments and two peoples. Therefore it should be cherished dearly and nurtured painstakingly. Now, our cooperation and exchanges in various fields are going on well and bringing about fruitful results. I'm firmly confident that we will be "good neighbors, close friends, trusted partners and dear brothers" for ever. With our joint efforts, Sino-Philippine friendship and cooperation are sure to have a brighter future.

As we all know, an extremely devastating earthquake occurred in China's Sichuan Province. Tens of thousands of Chinese people were killed in the earthquake while more people lost their loved ones, homes and properties in the disaster. All the Chinese people were deeply grieved by the sudden calamity. However, despite the sadness, the whole nation immediately devoted itself to the rescue and relief effort. As the proverb goes, friend in need is friend indeed. Immediately after the earthquake, President Arroyo and many other political leaders as well as people from different sectors of the Philippine society expressed their deep sympathies and solicitude to the Chinese government and people through different ways. On behalf of the Chinese Government, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the Philippine Government and people once again!

Ladies and Gentlemen,

For centuries, Filipino-Chinese and Chinese citizens in the Philippines have been carrying forward the fine tradition of Chinese nation. Working hard with a pioneering spirit, you have made great contribution to the economic development and social progress of the Philippines. As an integral part of the Philippine society, you have won the confidence and respect of the Philippine Government and Filipinos at large. I'm so proud of you. As soon as the earthquake happened in Sichuan province, brothers and sisters from the Filipino-Chinese society acted quickly in support of rescue and relief effort by donating money and materials generously. I am deeply moved by your love for motherland and the people in the disaster-stricken area. Your selfless dedication also reflects the friendliness of more than 80 million Philippine people, and would further enhance the traditional friendship between our two peoples. I'm confident that under the strong leadership of the Chinese Government and with the strong support of the international community including the Philippine Government and people, the 1.3 billion Chinese people in solidarity will eventually overcome all difficulties and win this battle against the disaster.

Last but no least, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the artists who traveled for a long distance to present to us a wonderful show tonight. Many people say that culture and arts are the emissaries of peace and the bridge of spiritual communication. I am sure their performance would fully express the Chinese People's strong wish for happy and peaceful life, a wish shared by both Chinese and Filipinos.

Wish the friendship between our two peoples everlasting. Wish all the friends good health, prosperity and happiness.

Thank you!