China’s 70th Anniversary Celebrations are looming
large, but this did not stop more than 500 people from all parts of China,
including Guest of Honour, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. QIN Gang, from
taking time out to gather in Beijing on the eve of September 20 to join in the
celebrations of Malta’s 55th Anniversary of Independence.
The Imperial Ballroom of the Four Seasons
Hotel was resplendently decked with red and white flowers proudly representing
the colours of Malta’s flag.
Canvas backdrops of vibrant multicolored
scenes illustrating the rich character of the Maltese Islands lined the hallway
through which persons attending reached the ballroom.
Ambassadors, diplomats, spouses and
partners, Chinese businessmen and women, entrepreneurs, and members of the
Maltese community in China comprised the large body of happy people
celebrating.
Upon the arrival of H.E. Vice Minister QIN
Gang and other senior Chinese Government officials, a friendly bilateral
meeting was held during which the Vice Minister extended his personal congratulations
to Ambassador John Aquilina on Malta’s 55th Anniversary of Independence. Following the brief meeting the Ambassador
and the Vice Minister entered the main ballroom and mingled with the crowd.
At the appropriate moment the Ambassador
called the large gathering to attention for the melodic renditions of the
Maltese, European Union and Chinese anthems by the talented Chinese pianist Ms
YANG Xiaoqi, a graduate from the elite Central Conservatory of Music.
The guests were then welcomed by a
broadcast message from the Hon Carmelo Abela, Minister for Foreign Affairs and
Trade Promotion, who highlighted Malta’s past achievements and future prospects.
The Minister also expressed his gratitude
to all the guests who joined in celebrating Malta Day, thanking them also for
their interest in, and commitment to our country.
In his short address Ambassador John
Aquilina extended the congratulations of H.E. President Dr George Vella, and the
Hon Prime Minister Joseph Muscat on China’s forthcoming 70th
Anniversary.
In reference to the recently celebrated
Mid-Autumn Festival, the Ambassador alluded to the abundant harvest which has
been reaped over the past 47 years since the Establishment of Diplomatic
Relations between the Republic of Malta and the People’s Republic of China.
In his speech H.E. Vice Minister QIN Gang
centered on the transformation of China during these years, along with the
changed dynamics in the bilateral relations between the two countries.
In referring to these excellent relations he
emphasized China’s satisfaction that it felt that it could rely on its trusted
European friend in times of need.
In accordance with Chinese custom, the
Ambassador and Vice Minister then drank “a toast to Malta”, to the future
wellbeing of both countries, and to the bond of friendship that unites Malta
and China.
As the formalities concluded, the food was
uncovered, the drinks were poured, and the gathering again began to mingle, with
laughter and merriment lingering long into the night.
Let's have a chat
Silence please
Our Minister speaks
A few words from the Ambassador
China's Vice Minister responds
All eyes and ears
Gam bei