Tonight we are pleased to have about 500 guests gathering here to share the joy of celebrating the Chinese New Year of the Dragon and the 40th Anniversary of Australia-China diplomatic relationship and the successful performance of the art troupe led by the Overseas Chinese Affairs office of the State Council of China. Please allow me, on behalf of ACPPRC, to extend our warmest welcome and sincere gratitude to your successful performance.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Dr. Wing-Kun Tam President, Mr PID Barry Palmer 2nd Vice President and friends from the International Lions Clubs. I was given the great honor to become an honorary member of Lions Clubs International.
The Year of the Dragon started in Sydney in great vivacity with the arriving of the art troupe led by H.E. Mr. Xiong Changliang to entertain the Australian Chinese community. It will also witness the commencement of a series of celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between Australia and China organized by ACPPRC. This gives greater honour and significance to tonight’s gathering. For 40 years, peoples of the two countries have developed the all-round relationship between the two countries to a new height. It was the Chinese Cultural Year in Australia last year. A series of economic, cultural, investment and political exchanges have greatly?enhanced the mutual understanding and friendship between our two?countries. The successful visit of President Jia Qinglin to Australia?highlighted the continuous development of the friendly relationship between our two countries. We will continue our efforts to further promote and strengthen the friendly relationship between our two countries and to further promote the peaceful reunification of China.
A stable, prosperous, strong and united China is a blessing not only to the people across the strait, but also to the peoples of the world, including the Australian people.
May the Year of the Dragon bring happy blessings to China, to Australia, to everyone of you here tonight and your families! Thank you!
William Chiu
Chairman of ACPPRC |