On the evening of December 20, 2009, the 2010 New Year Reception of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was held in Fangfeiyuan, Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, Beijing. Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi played host to diplomatic envoys, representatives of international organizations in China and their spouses. More than 400 people attended the reception, including State Councilor Dai Bingguo, heads of related agencies and Chinese and foreign guests.
Yang Jiechi said in his address that in 2009, the international financial crisis has brought about profound and complex changes to the international situation; there is a more robust trend toward peace, development and cooperation; open cooperation, mutual benefit and win-win result have became broad consensus of the international community. Yang said that China celebrated the 60th anniversary of the founding of new China and the 60th anniversary of new China's diplomacy in 2009. Over the past 60 years, China has undergone historic changes. China's future and destiny are more closely linked with the world. China strives to develop in a peaceful international environment and promote world peace through China’s self-development. China has actively involved and played an important constructive role in the efforts to tackle global challenges such as the international financial crisis, climate change, food security, energy resources security, public health security, and terrorism. These achievements were made with the correct leadership of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council and the strong support of people across the country and with the understanding and support from the envoys and people of other countries.
Yang stressed that China will continue to join hands with the international community to cope with various challenges and jointly promote world peace and development in 2010. China will unswervingly take the road of peaceful development, unswervingly pursue the mutually beneficial and win-win opening-up strategy, and consistently seek open, peaceful, and cooperative development. Yang specifically mentioned that the Shanghai World Expo will open in 2010. China looks forward to a dazzling display of different countries at the Expo and warmly welcomes the leaders and people of all countries to take this opportunity to come to visit China.
Nolana Ta Ama, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Togolese Ambassador to China extended the best wishes and greetings for the New Year to the Chinese government and people on behalf of the diplomatic corps. He said that China played an indispensable role in dealing with various global issues in 2009. “I believe that China will continue to commit itself to various international efforts and countries wish to join hands with China.” He also said that the Shanghai World Expo will be a global event that provides a platform for countries to display their economic, technological, cultural and artistic accomplishments. “I believe that with the active efforts of all countries, the Expo will achieve a great success.”
At the reception, Chinese and foreign guests watched the pictures of the Shanghai World Expo with great interest and enjoyed the beautiful movements played by the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. The concert program combined both western and Chinese music, reflected the elements of the Shanghai World Expo, and passed on the friendly feelings of the Chinese people to the people around the world.
