"The past month has been busy and hectic, but extremely rewarding and inspiring." said Ambassador Cai Jinbiao at the reception upon his assuming the office as Ambassador of China to Malta on 19th April at the Excelsior Hotel.

Sharing his personal touch and past experience with Malta especially after being accredited as the Ambassador, Cai expressed his satisfaction of the ever-strong bilateral relations. "The frequent interactions between our state leaders, high-ranking officials and Party leaders, ever growing trade, economic cooperation and cultural exchanges, and friendly sentiments from ordinary Maltese and local Chinese community all speak for the fact that China and Malta has set up an excellent example of how countries with different sizes, political systems and historical background can achieve friendly and fruitful relations."

"The world is undergoing political challenges, economic uncertainties and institutional adjustments. Being fully aware of her responsibilities, China is pursuing a peaceful development in a steadfast manner. The just concluded NPC and CPPCC meetings reviewed the achievements during the 30 years of reform and opening up, settled the agenda to continue this policy, to achieve sustainable development while maintaining stability. With China's '12th five-year plan' and Malta's '2015 vision plus' and EU '2020 strategy' on full implementation process, China and Malta share the same task for development and face new opportunities for more cooperation. I am looking forward to further strengthening the existing cooperation of mutual benefit, with the priorities given to infrastructure development, telecommunication, new energy, higher education and tourism. " said Ambassador Cai.

The reception was attended by distinguished guests as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dr. Tonio Borg, President Emeritus Dr. Ugo Mifsud Bonnici, Dr. Edward Fenech Adami, other senior officials from the Maltese government and parties, diplomatic envoys and more than 300 guests from all walks of life including representatives and students of the Chinese community in Malta. They all expressed their hearty welcome to Ambassador Cai and wished him a happy and enjoyable tenure in Malta. Musicians from the King's Own Philharmonic Society performed music and songs to the delight of the crowd.