Inter-party relations an important component of China-Sri Lanka relations: Ambassador Qi Zhenhong

The full speech delivered by Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong at the reception hosted in Colombo celebrating the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC).Distinguished guests,Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,Good evening!It is a great pleasure and privilege to gather with all of you to celebrate the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, I would like to extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt gratitude to all our distinguished guests!Today, a gathering was held in Beijing to celebrate the 105th anniversary of the founding of the CPC. Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, delivered an important speech at the gathering, reviewing the glorious journey the CPC has traversed /ˈtrævərst/ and looking ahead to the bright prospects for the development of the cause of the CPC and the Chinese people. A China that is constantly advancing toward modernization will surely provide more opportunities for the world, inject more momentum into international cooperation, and make greater contributions to the progress of humanity.One hundred and five years of journeying through trials and hardships, one hundred and five years of remaining true to our original aspiration. Born at a time of national peril, the CPC grew through arduous struggles, and thrived during the era of reform and opening-up. From Shikumen, where the Party was founded, to Tiananmen, where New China was proclaimed; and from Xingye Road, home to the Party’s birthplace, to Fuxing Road, a symbol of the great journey toward national rejuvenation, our Party has always breathed the same breath, shared the same destiny, and linked its heart with the people. History has demonstrated a profound truth: the leadership of the CPC is the choice of history, and more importantly, the choice of the people; it is an inevitable outcome of practice, and a calling of the times.Dear friends!Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the Chinese Communists, with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, have upheld fundamental principles while breaking new ground, kept pace with the times, and written a magnificent chapter for the new era.Seeking happiness for the people, we have won the battle against poverty and completed the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. Our achievements in poverty reduction have drawn worldwide attention, and improvements in livelihoods are shared by all. With the education, medical care, and social security systems fully covering both urban and rural areas, the 1.4 billion Chinese people enjoy a profound sense of gain, happiness, and security.Seeking rejuvenation for the nation, Chinese modernization is advancing with steady and rapid strides. China’s total economic output has exceeded 140 trillion CNY, and its status as the world’s largest trading nation remains solid. From the “Chang’e” lunar exploration to the “Fendouzhe” deep-sea submersible, from high-speed trains speeding across the country to our leading position in 5G, technological innovation changes with each passing day, and China’s major strategic equipment continues to set new milestones. The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has entered an irreversible historical course.Seeking progress for humanity and harmony for the world, President Xi Jinping proposed the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, which has been written into UN resolutions and become a global consensus. The Belt and Road Initiative connects oceans and continents, and the China-Europe Railway Express traverses thousands of miles, injecting strong momentum into global development. The four major initiatives—the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative—have systematically responded to the questions of the times, of history, and of the people, contributing Chinese wisdom and offering Chinese solutions. These Chinese proposals and initiatives have been embraced by nearly 160 countries and international organizations. China remains a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of the international order.Dear friends!The friendship between China and Sri Lanka dates back to ancient times, and the exchanges between our political parties have forged a deep bond. The CPC and various political parties in Sri Lanka treat each other with mutual respect and equality. We exchange views on state governance and seek ways for common development. The successful meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has mapped out a new blueprint for China-Sri Lanka relations.Inter-party relations are an important component of China-Sri Lanka relations, and party-to-party exchanges have played a vital role in deepening bilateral communication and cooperation. On the basis of the principles of “independence, complete equality, mutual respect, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs,” the CPC stands ready to strengthen the exchange of governance experience with all political parties in Sri Lanka, advance pragmatic cooperation in poverty alleviation and digital cities, and promote people-to-people bonds and shared interests. Looking into the future, we look forward to working together with the Sri Lankan side to fully implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, hand in hand explore development paths suited to our respective national conditions, promote the building of a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future of strategic significance, and bring more benefits and greater dividends to the two peoples.Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends!In today’s world, changes unseen in a century are accelerating, and the torrent of the times calls for solidarity and mutual assistance. Facing the grand questions of “What has happened to the world and how should we respond?” the CPC is willing to join hands with all countries, guided by the four major initiatives, to promote the construction of a clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security, common prosperity, openness, and inclusiveness.105 years marks a historical milestone, and more importantly, the starting point of a new journey. The CPC always walks with the people and advances with the times. It is evident that to walk with China is to walk with opportunities; to believe in China is to believe in tomorrow; to invest in China is to invest in the future. Standing at a new historical starting point, we are ready to work with political parties and peoples of all countries—to follow the right path of the world, create a better future together, shoulder the mission of the times, and compose a new chapter of win-win cooperation!Now, I propose a toast:To the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China,To the good health and prosperity of all distinguished guests,And to the deep friendship and common prosperity of the peoples of all nations,Cheers!