On August 27, 2009, Mr. ZHANG Weidong, the new Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Federated States of Micronesia, hosted a reception at Cliff Rainbow Hotel in Pohnpei. Hon. Speaker Isaac Figir, Hon. Secretary of Foreign Affairs Lorin Robert, Hon. Secretary of R&D Peter Christian, Hon. Secretary of Education, Casiano Shoniber, Hon. Secretary of TC&I Francis Itimai, Hon. Secretary of Health Dr. Vita Skilling, Hon. John Esha, Governor of Pohnpei State, Hon. Nelson Pelep Speaker of Pohnpei Legislature, , heads of diplomatic missions, and the local Chinese businessmen together with other 200 guests attended the reception. Ambassador ZHANG and Secretary Robert made remarks respectively.
Ambassador ZHANG delivered his speech as follows:
"Good evening. I am very delighted to have all of you here today. Thank you for your kind presence.
This is my first time to be posted in a pacific island country ever since I entered the Chinese foreign services in 1982. As soon as I stepped on your land, I am deeply impressed by the exotic beauty of this country. It is beautiful for its natural sceneries. The blue sky and blue lagoon, the green hill and the fresh air are so impressive. It is beautiful for its rich history. The famous Nan Madol, the mysterious city ruin, known as Venice of the Pacific, can be dated back to 1 AD. It is beautiful for its unique culture. The different customs and traditions vary from state to state. It is beautiful for its friendly people. Once I got off the board, I was greeted by the federal and local officials. I felt the warmth of your welcome as well as the warmth of the weather. This evening, I have so many distinguished guests, friends of old and new, to join me to mark the assumption of my duty. I am deeply touched. Thank you for your warm welcome and thank you for your friendship.
With that warmth and friendship kept in my heart, I take it as a great honor and privilege to serve as the seventh resident ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the FSM, particularly on the occasion when China and the FSM will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties next month. I am really lucky to stand here. I am here for the purpose of strengthening the mutual understandings between our two countries and peoples. Before I left Beijing, China, I watched a TV show one day. When the interviewer asked, "where is the FSM?" A university student answered, "is there sucn a country?" Many Chinese, especially the young students don't know the FSM very much. And after I arrived here, on my way to a courtesy visit one day, I saw the national flag of China was hung upside down. I know it is not political oversight, but I felt that how much work we need to do to enhance our mutual understandings. We need to know each other better and the exchanges and communications between the two peoples need to be deepened. I am here for the purpose of building up the political trust. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1989, our two countries have treated each other as equals and with mutual respect, sought common development and conducted close communication and coordination in regional and international affairs. We shall move forward on that basis. I am here for the purpose of advancing the economic cooperation. Two days after I arrived, I went to the constructing sites and the pilot farm in this state. I encouraged the Chinese constructors and technical personnel to work still harder for the benefit of the people of the FSM and for the friendly relations between the two countries. We shall have more cooperation in the future. I am here for the purpose of deepening the culture exchanges. I notice the name of this restaurant is "rainbow". Just like a rainbow consists of many colors, our world is full of different cultures. Both China and the FSM are steep in history. We are both developing countries. There is a lot we can and we have shared. At the mean time, we have also a lot of differences. We shall respect and learn from each other.
My task is heavy indeed. Especially, when we are facing with many challenges in the world now, including the world financial crisis. As the Chinese Ambassador, I will do my utmost to further strengthen the strong ties between China and the FSM. I have the confidence of finishing my mission well. I am confident because I will receive the generous support and help from the federal and local officials and people of the FSM. I am confident because my predecessors have made significant contributions and laid solid foundation in China-FSM relations. I am confident because there has been a long-term collaborative relationship among he diplomatic corps. I will endeavor to establish good relations, both official and personal, with the Ambassadors from the United Stated, Australia and Japan, and the representatives of the international organizations and other diplomatic missions. I am sure I will have an enjoyable stay here in my second home."
Hon. Lorin Robert, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, extended warm welcome to Ambassador ZHANG and spoke highly of friendly and cooperative relations between the FSM and China. On behalf of the FSM government and people, he appreciated the economic cooperation and the technical assistance form the Chinese Government, which not only contributed to the economic and social development, but strengthened the good relations that the two peoples enjoy. Seccretary Robert reiterated the FSM Government's commitment to the one China policy and would like to work with the Chinese Government closely to further strengthen the relations. At last, he assured Ambassador ZHANG of the FSM government's genuine support to him during his tenure of office.