Commander of RFMF Major-General Ratu Jone Kalouniwai, Assistant Minister for iTaukei Affairs Hon. Isikeli Tuiwailevu, Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways Hon. Inosi Kuridrani,

Deputy Director of the Culture and Tourism Department of Shaanxi Province Mr. Sheng Yijun,

Distinguished guests,

Dear Chinese compatriots,

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,

Ni sa bula vinaka and good evening!

I am glad to gather with all friends to enjoy tonight’s performance celebrating the 50th anniversary of China-Fiji diplomatic relations. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Fiji, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the artists from Shaanxi Province of China, as well as to Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, Fiji Arts Council, and China Cultural Center in Fiji, for their hard work and valuable support. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to all the guests and Chinese compatriots!

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,

Tonight, we will enjoy the beauty of traditional Chinese and Fijian culture. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of China Cultural Center in Fiji, artists from China and Fiji will work together to show the best of both the Chinese and Fijian civilization. Fiji has its unique Melanesian traditional culture, and I believe the songs and dances by Fijian artists tonight will be as charming as kava. Chinese artists will also showcase their unique talent. They are from Shaanxi Province of China, home to the Terracotta Warriors, one of the Eight Wonders of the World. Shaanxi Province is also the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, which carries a long history of China’s exchanges with foreign countries. We hope that tonight’s performance will convey to the Fijian people the Silk Road spirit of “peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit”.

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,

Tonight, we share the joy of incoming important festivals. October 1st marks the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, when the entire Chinese people will hold big celebrations. A few days after that will be  Mid-Autumn Festival, a traditional Chinese festival. Two festivals coincide; happiness doubles. The moon on Mid-Autumn Festival is the brightest and fullest of the year. In Chinese culture, a full moon stands for reunion, and therefore Mid-Autumn Festival stands for family reunion and a happy life. This also reflects our shared wish for China-Fiji relations and global peace and development. The music and dances brought by Shaanxi Province artists tonight are mostly related to the moon, through which I believe our Fijian friends will appreciate the Chinese people’s pursuit of a happy life.

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,

The performance tonight is part of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of China-Fiji diplomatic relations. For 50 years, China and Fiji have remained true friends that trust and support each other. The 50th anniversary marks a significant milestone in the history of our bilateral relations, and we will hold a series of important celebrations, one highlight after another. The foundation of China-Fiji relations lies in the people. The theme of tonight’s performance, “天涯共此时” or “From far away, we share this moment together”, is a line from an ancient Chinese poem. It’s a perfect line to describe how our two countries are celebrating this historic milestone of our bilateral relations together. I’m also pleased to announce a climax in the series of celebrations: The Chinese Embassy in Fiji will work with the Suva City Council to hold a grand carnival in Albert Park at 6:30pm on Saturday September 27th. We will present a first-of-its-kind Chinese drone show and performances by a top Chinese art troupe. The event will be open to the general public and everyone is welcome to attend.

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,

Let’s enjoy the wonderful performances tonight, deepen our friendship, and wish China-Fiji relations a brighter future!

Vinaka vakalevu! Thank you!