| Ambassador Song Zhe Writes Letter to All Members of the European Parliament |
| 2008/09/11 |
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On September 3, 2008, Ambassador Song Zhe, Head of the Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the European Communities writes a letter to the 784 Members of the European Parliament on the Beijing Olympic Games and China-EU relations. Ambassador Song briefed MEPs on the successful holding of the Beijing Olympic Games. He said that President of the European Council and French President Mr. Nicolas Sarkozy attended the opening ceremony, and many European leaders participated in the Olympics-related activities. Secretary General Javier Solana of the Council of the European Union, in his letter to Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, stated that the Beijing Olympic Games marks a new beginning in China-EU relations. We thank and appreciate the EU’s goodwill and support, which reflects the gravity that the EU side attaches to relations with China and the commitment it makes to a stable and growing China-EU relationship. China reciprocates the same gravity to the EU. He pointed out that following the Olympic Games, there will be two other major events in China-EU relations this year, the 7th ASEM Summit at Beijing in October and the 11th China-EU Summit at Lyon in December. It is my sincere hope that China and the EU will work together for the success of these two meetings, which will deepen the mutual trust and promote win-win cooperation between China and EU as well as Asia and Europe. Ambassador stated that the Beijing Olympic Games presents an open China, and at the same time makes China more closely connected and integrated to the world. Leaders from about 90 countries, more than 10,000 athletes, some 30,000 foreign journalists and several hundreds of thousands of tourists across the world flocked to Beijing. Some stay in the homes of local Beijing families. They have got acquaintance with people in the street and knowledge of China’s history, culture, custom and way of life. They felt with their own hand the pulse of China. The intense international media coverage has also displayed the true face of China, but at much more angles. The Games has refreshed the world’s insights and understanding of China. He emphasized that the Beijing Olympic Games has enriched the Olympic spirit of solidarity, friendship and peace. It has further enhanced the mutual understanding and friendly sentiments among peoples of all countries. With their immense enthusiasm, the Chinese people welcomed and honored guests from all over the world and have also learned a lot from them. China is still a developing country. It will be a long-term and arduous task to achieve development. China will stay committed to the path of peaceful development and a mutually beneficial and win-win strategy of opening up. On the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, China will promote friendly exchange and advance cooperation with other countries. We are ready to work with people of all countries, including the European people, to jointly promote a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity. Ambassador Song finally stated that while thousands of miles away from each other, China and Europe do have big differences in terms of history, culture, tradition and levels of development. Seeing oneself and being seen in the eyes of others will not be the same. I am convinced that, through dialogue, exchange and communication, China and the EU are able to enhance understanding, narrow differences and strengthen trust, so as to ensure lasting friendship and cooperation. |
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