On September 29 2004, the Chinese Ambassador H.E. Mr. Luo Xingwu and wife Mrs. Dongzhu held reception celebrating the 55th Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. More than 400 guests attended the reception including His Royal Highness Prince Nayef, Crown Prince Hamza's father-in-law, Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Greater Amman Municipality, Director General of Civil Defense Major General Mahmoud Abbadi. His Royal Highness Prince Hassan, President of Amman Chamber of Commerce also sent flowers for congratulations.

Address by H.E. Ambassador Luo Xingwu at the National Day Reception on the 55th anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China

  H.E. Mr. Luo Xingwu delivered a speech at the ceremony

Dear Friends and Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen:

On the occasion of the 55th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China, I'd like to extend my warmest welcome to all of you here on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Amman.

Over the past 55 years, and especially the last 25 years since the implementation of the Reform and Opening-up Policy, tremendous changes have taken place in China. Domestically, China has achieved political stability, national unity and social progress, with GDP's annual growth rate at an average of 10% and economic gross volume multiplied by 100 times, standing as the 6th biggest economic entity in the world. China also ranks No. 4 in terms of trade volume, with foreign investment accumulated to a record of 700 billion $. Internationally, China consistently adheres to the independent policy of peace and cooperation and has achieved remarkable accomplishments in conducting foreign exchange and participating in international affairs by following the principle of cherishing friendship, promoting cooperation, shouldering responsibility and keeping commitment. To most Chinese people, this year is definitely loaded with many unforgettable memories. A series of memorial activities have been held to mark the 100th birth anniversary of H.E. Mr. Deng Xiaoping, China's late leader and great architect of the policy of reform and opening-up. And to everyone's pride, Chinese athletes have won 32 gold medals in the Athens Olympic Games, promising more terrific performance at the next Olympic Games, to be held in Beijing in 2008. It is our great joy to see that China today, with enhanced national strength and international status, flourishing in all the fields, is playing an ever more important role in maintaining world peace and promoting common development.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Today is my first time to hold a national day reception in Amman since I was accredited as Ambassador to Jordan. In review of the past year, China-Jordan Relations have been developing fast and new breakthroughs are achieved. The bilateral trade totalled 525 million $, an increase by 46.6% over the year of 2002. For the first half of this year, the bilateral trade has reached 372 million $, 96.7% higher than the same period of last year. China has become Jordan's third biggest trading partner, with direct investment in Jordan over 80 million $. We firmly support the Economic and Social Transformation Plan of Jordan and have provided in-kind assistance to our capacity. To our mutual joy, the MOU of China-Jordan Tourism Cooperation shall be put into force and we are now expecting the first group of Chinese tourists to visit Jordan by the end of this year. All these progress are attributed to the patronage of both leaders of our two countries. Two months ago His Majesty King Abdullah II paid a successful visit to China, which marked a new stage for the friendship and cooperation between our two countries.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

During the past year, many people and friends have given me valuable support and assistance in fulfilling my job. And I was particularly overwhelmed by Jordanian people's friendship and goodwill. Therefore, I'd like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation. I believe, under the patronage of our both leaders, friendship and cooperation in all fields shall develop constantly. Finally, Let's all propose a toast to the common prosperity of China and Jordan, the friendship between the Chinese and Jordanian People and the health of all the guests here.

Cheers!