As we are joyously ringing in the New Year and ringing out the old, I wish to express, on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China and also in my own name, our heartfelt thanks and festive greetings to all our friends at home and abroad who take a great interest in China's diplomatic work. I wish all of you a very happy and prosperous New Year.

The outgoing 2002 is a year of great joy and pride for the Chinese people. The Communist Party of China successfully convened its 16th National Congress, setting the grand objective for the nation in the years to come, i.e. build a well-off society in an all-round way and create a new situation in building socialism with Chinese characteristics. China has maintained a rapid economic growth, with closer and wider links with the rest of the world in trade and economic cooperation. China has persistently pursued its independent foreign policy of peace, with further progress in its friendly relations and cooperation with other countries, thus contributing to world peace and development.

Looking into the future, we are fully aware that the world is hardly a tranquil place, but peace and development remain the trend of our times. I believe that as long as all countries work together, politically respect and consult one another, economically complement one another and seek common development, culturally learn from one another and promote common prosperity and, in the area of security, trust one another and maintain security through joint efforts, the world will have a more splendid future.