(Feb. 2023, Special Session, Bhutan)

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear friends,

Good evening! Tashi Delek!

On the occasion of the approaching of Bhutanese Losar 2023, on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in India, I would like to send my most sincere greetings to friends in Bhutan. I wish you all a happy New Year.

The past year was a milestone for both China and Bhutan. The Twentieth National Congress of the Communist Party of China was successfully held, drawing out a grand blueprint for building a modern socialist country in an all-round way. Today's China is a country where dreams are realized one after another, a country full of vitality, a country that continues to open up, and a country that is closely connected with the world.

We are also happy to see that under the leadership of His Majesty the King and His Majesty the Fourth King, Bhutan grandly celebrated its 115th National Day. The prevention and control of the COVID-19 has been highly effective, the economy and people's livelihood have continued to recover, and major reforms in various fields have accelerated. Today's Bhutan is striving forward on the road of national transformation and development, laying a solid foundation for becoming an extraordinary country.

President Xi Jinping pointed out that China is willing to peacefully coexist and develop together with all countries on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. China and Bhutan are friendly neighbors linked by mountains and rivers. In recent years, the relationship between the two countries has enjoyed a good momentum of progress. Exchanges and cooperation in the fields of anti-epidemic, economy and trade, cultural exchanges have continued to deepen, bringing tangible benefit to the two peoples. China attaches great importance to developing good-neighborly and friendly relations with Bhutan, supports Bhutan in pursuing a development path that suits its own national conditions, and is willing to strengthen friendly cooperation with Bhutan in various fields and continue to assist Bhutan's economic and social development. I truly believe that the relationship between the two countries will become much closer and more fruitful in the coming year.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear friends,

At this beautiful moment of saying goodbye to the year of Tiger and ushering in the year of Rabbit, I am very happy to enjoy with our Bhutanese friends this online concert, which is organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China and performed by China National Traditional Orchestra, Suzhou Symphony Orchestra, and Tianjin Opera Ballet. The artists combine tradition with contemporary expression through music and dance to perform classic songs such as "Jasmine Flower","A World Full of Love" , displaying ancient Tai Chi and martial arts as well as modern animation and hip-hop.

I hope our Bhutanese friends enjoy the diversity and inclusiveness of Chinese culture, the joy of celebrating the same year of Rabbit by the two neighbouring countries, and the friendship and best wishes expressed through this concert towards the Bhutanese people.

The theme of this concert is "Harmonious Coexistence". This is the concept that Chinese civilization has always upheld, and it is also the expectation China would like to get along with neighbouring countries. Facing the complicated international situation, China is willing to work with countries including Bhutan to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind and create together better prospects for all of us.

Rabbit symbolizes peace, gentleness and beauty. At this auspicious and festive moment, let’s exchange our friendship with musical notes, bridge our hearts with melodies, and begin this artistic feast. Once again, I wish you all a happy Losar and enjoy health, fortune and felicity.

Tashi Delek and Kadrin Cheyla!