Celebrations in Beijing to mark the 30th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Malta and the People’s Republic of China

On Thursday, 31^st January 2002, the Ambassador of Malta to the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Mr. Saviour F. Borg, and the President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Mr. Chen Haosu, jointly hosted a Special Reception in Beijing to commemorate the 30^th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Malta and the People’s Republic of China.

The Special Guest for the occasion was H.E Mr. Tiemur Er Da Wa Mai Ti, Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China. Also present for the occasion was H.E. Mr. Zhang Zhi Jun, Vice-Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, H.E. Mr. Zhang Yesui, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Yang Fuchang, President of China Foreign Affairs College, Mr. Su Guang Vice President of the CPAFFC, and Mr. Zhang Zhi Xin, Vice-President of the China National Committee on Aging.

The over 300 guests attending the event included Ambassadors, officials from the various Chinese Ministries, journalists and other guests.

Mr. Chen Haosu, President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, in his welcoming speech, stated that, through the efforts of the Governments and the people of China and Malta, the friendship between the two countries witnessed continuous development over the past 30 years. The frequent high-level visits and the friendly co-operation between the two countries have laid a good foundation for the promotion of mutual understanding between Malta and China.

Replying to this speech, Ambassador Borg stated that Malta and China are geographically far away from each other, yet, the close co-operation and collaboration that has existed since 1972 between the two countries in the political, economic and cultural fields have indeed shorted the distances and succeeded in building a true and lasting partnership.

In referring to the frequent exchange of visits at the highest levels, Ambassador Borg added that these visits have contributed in no small way to the smooth development of relations between Malta and China. He referred in particular to the visits six months ago by the Presidents of the two countries, when they met in Beijing and Valletta, to reaffirm the commitments made thirty years ago to continue to forge a true and sincere friendship that will benefit the two countries and peoples.

H.E. Mr. Tiemur presented Ambassador Borg with a Commemorative Envelope issued by the China National Philatelic Corporation showing the Maltese and Chinese Flags as well as a Maltese and Chinese stamp with a Cancellation Stamp.