On October 16th, 2019, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the reception in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between China and Bulgaria, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and Albania at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. Nearly 300 people, including principals of the Chinese relevant departments, Ambassadors of the above countries to China and Chinese and foreign friendly personages from all walks of life, were present at the reception. Wang Yi delivered a speech titled continue to be pioneers for friendly cooperation.
Wang Yi said, over the past 70 years, relations between China and the seven countries have withstood the vicissitudes of the international situation, grown even stronger, and marched forward together. The most valuable experience is that we have always respected each other politically; gained mutual benefit economically; and learned from each other culturally. These are an anchor for stable relations between China and the seven countries, a booster for deepening cooperation and a catalyst for deepening the profound friendship.
Wang Yi expressed, standing at the new historical starting point of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, China's relations with the seven countries are embracing a broader prospect.
We should continue to be pioneers for friendly cooperation. No matter how the international situation may change or what influence external factors may exert, we should maintain our strategic focus, stay on the right direction and remain at the forefront of international friendly cooperation.
We should continue to be the pioneers in jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative. The Chinese side is ready to work with the seven countries to promote infrastructure connectivity, upgrade the level of economic, trade and financial cooperation, and accelerate respective development through the joint building of the Belt and Road Initiative for mutual benefit and win-win results.
We should continue to be pioneers in China-CEEC cooperation. The Chinese side is ready to make use of the unique strengths and influence of the seven countries and work with other friends in Central and Eastern Europe to expand “17+1” cooperation in a wider range and at a deeper level so as to bring more benefits to the people of China and Central and Eastern Europe.
We should continue to be pioneers in China-European Union (EU) cooperation. The Chinese side is ready to join hands with the seven countries to support the European integration process, the unity and growth of the EU, Europe's important role in international affairs, and promote the building of the China-EU partnership for peace, growth, reform and civilization.
We should continue to be pioneers in upholding fairness and justice. The Chinese side is ready to work with the international community including the seven countries to unequivocally defend the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, international law and basic norms governing international relations, international equity and justice, multilateralism and free trade rules.
Wang Yi noted, this year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Entering in the new era, China is, guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, forging ahead toward the realization of the two centenary goals. We are ready to work with the international community, including the seven countries, to continue to build a new type of international relations and a community with a shared future for mankind, and work together to make more important contributions to human progress and create a better future for our planet.
Later, Ambassadors of the seven countries to China delivered speeches respectively. They spoke highly of the brilliant achievements of the People's Republic of China over the past 70 years and the development of relations between their respective countries with China, appreciated China's active role in international and regional affairs, and expressed their willingness to comprehensively deepen and strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China in all areas and actively participate in the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative and China-CEEC cooperation.