The Chinese Embassy in Banjul on Tuesday 2 October 2018 celebrated the 69th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Speaking at a reception held at the embassy, H.E. Zhang Jiming, the Chinese ambassador to The Gambia said 69 years ago, on 1 October 1949, the People’s Republic of China was founded after over a century-long arduous struggle by the Chinese people.
He said that 40 years ago, China started its historic journey of reform and opening-up, adding that China has since made tremendous progress thanks to the leadership of the CPC and hard work by the Chinese people.
“Today the Chinese people have emerged from a life of shortages and poverty and enjoy a moderately prosperous life”, he went on, saying the Chinese society is full of vigor and booming with innovation and entrepreneurship.
“More than 10 million new jobs are created every year,” he further said, adding that China now boasts the world’s largest population of middle income.
H.E. Jiming noted that China has also set up the world’s largest social security network for its world’s largest population.
China is contributing over 30% of global growth, acting as a key driver for world economic growth and a major force for world peace and development, he also said.
Ambassador Jiming said to strengthen cooperation and solidarity with other developing countries have been and will continue to be the staunch strategic priority for China’s diplomacy.
He stated that no matter how much China grows in strength, and how the international landscape evolves, this strategic priority of China will remain unchanged.
He pointed out that the year 2018 will go down in history as the Big Year of China-Africa friendship and partnership, adding that the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held last month is its culmination.
According to him, Gambia’s attendance is of great significance to China-Gambia relations, China-Africa relations, and the development of the FOCAC.
He highlighted that China appreciates the Gambian government for adhering to the One China Principle.
He remarked that China is ready to work with The Gambia to continue steering bilateral ties in the right direction, continuously enhance political mutual trust, and continue firmly supporting each other on issues of core interests and major concerns.
