(January 17, 2025, Torarica Hotel)

Your Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of the Republic of Suriname, and the First Lady Mellisa Santokhi,
Honorable Ministers and Members of Parliament,
Distinguished Ambassadors and Representatives of International Organizations,
Dear members of the Chinese community,
Ladies and Gentlemen, Friends:

Good evening!

First of all, please allow me to extend a warm welcome to everyone attending this reception! My wife and I arrived in Suriname on November 3, 2024, and were honored by the great importance attached by the Surinamese side. H.E. President Chandrikapersad Santokhi graciously received my credentials the following day, fully reflecting the close and friendly ties between China and Suriname. Over the past two months, I have visited many places and made many friends. Suriname is a country of stunning landscapes, warm and hospitable people, and a harmonious blend of diverse cultures, much like a vibrant and unified oil painting. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to friends from all sectors for their warm reception and strong support for my work here.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The year 2024 marked the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China held its third plenary session, charting a grand blueprint for further deepening reforms and advancing high-level opening-up. China’s high-quality development progressed steadily, with economic growth remaining strong. GDP is expected to exceed 134 trillion yuan, achieving a growth rate of 5%. Today’s China is making remarkable achievements in fields such as aerospace, marine technology, artificial intelligence, and green development, while innovations like visa-free transit, e-commerce, Chinese cuisine, and TikTok are winning global acclaim. At the same time, as a responsible major country, China is actively promoting global governance reform, deepening South-South cooperation, and advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation to inject positive energy into world peace and stability.

In 2025, China will maintain its momentum of reform and opening-up. We will fully complete the goals set in the 14th Five-Year Plan, focus on high-quality development, advance self-reliance in science and technology, and sustain the positive trajectory of economic and social development. Meanwhile, we will continue to address practical issues such as education, elder care, and youth employment to bring more smiles and warmth to our people. We are committed to working with all nations to foster friendship, promote cultural exchanges, and build a community with a shared future for mankind. Together with Suriname and other countries, we aim to share development opportunities and create a better future.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The year 2024 was a milestone in the history of China-Suriname relations. H.E. President Santokhi’s state visit to China resulted in important agreements between our leaders, outlining a new blueprint for bilateral relations. Speaker Marinus Bee’s visit to China further enhanced parliamentary exchanges. Our two countries have adhered to the principles of equality and mutual benefit, supporting each other on issues of core interest. Exchanges between governments, legislatures, militaries, political parties, and local authorities have been active. From January to November 2024, bilateral trade reached approximately USD 400 million, a year-on-year increase of 11.1%. Practical cooperation in energy, mining, and infrastructure development has made solid progress. Chinese companies are actively operating in Suriname, with landmark agreements such as the first-ever oil development cooperation agreement between PetroChina and Staatsolie and a mining cooperation MOU between Chinalco and the Surinamese government.

China has also continued to provide assistance within its capacity. Nearly 300 Surinamese officials and technical experts attended various training programs in China, and the China-Suriname Agricultural Technical Cooperation Center has trained over 100 local farmers and technicians. Earlier today, the road monitoring project funded by China officially broke ground. Cultural exchanges have flourished, highlighted by performances from Zhejiang Wu Opera Troupe and the “Touch China” cultural exhibition. The 17th “Chinese Bridge” competition and the newly established Chinese Ambassador Scholarship have further strengthened mutual understanding and friendship between our peoples.

Looking ahead, China and Suriname have vast potential for deeper exchanges and cooperation. We are ready to work with the Surinamese side to explore more opportunities, initiate more projects, and inject new vitality into our strategic partnership, bringing greater benefits to our peoples. As good friends and partners, China will continue to support Suriname’s economic and social development as well as its efforts to improve people’s livelihoods.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The Chinese community has been part of Suriname for over 170 years, living harmoniously with other ethnic groups. While pursuing their own development, Chinese nationals have contributed significantly to Suriname’s economy and society, serving as a bridge for bilateral cooperation. As a Chinese person, I feel a deep sense of connection walking the streets of Suriname and seeing supermarkets and restaurants adorned with Chinese signs.

As we approach the Chinese New Year, which was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List in December, we celebrate this holiday not only as a shared tradition of China and Suriname but also as a global festival. Today’s reception is a grand gathering of family and friends. On behalf of the Embassy, I would like to extend my sincere holiday greetings and best wishes to all the guests here and, through you, to friends from all walks of life in Suriname and Chinese nationals living here.

Finally, let me conclude with a metaphor: If China-Suriname relations were a dish, it would be a “hot pot of diverse cultures.” Suriname’s unique flavors, combined with China’s enthusiastic seasoning, would surely impress the world. And each of us is a “chef” of this hot pot, continuously adding our wisdom and efforts to make it richer, tastier, and more memorable.

Let us all work together to make this hot pot of friendship and cooperation even more flavorful! Thank you!