Sixtieth anniversary of the People’s Republic of China
"On behalf of the Dutch government, I’d like to extend my warm congratulations to you and the Chinese people, as we celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. Over the past sixty years, China has gone through tremendous change. The Netherlands is gratified to have a broad and open relationship with China."
Ambassador Zhang, Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
On behalf of the Dutch government, I’d like to extend my warm congratulations to you and the Chinese people, as we celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. In view of the five thousand years of Chinese civilisation, sixty years may seem a short period of time. But if you look at what has been achieved over the past sixty years, we cannot but be impressed.
Over the past sixty years, China has gone through tremendous change. Change that has not only positively affected hundreds of millions of Chinese, but also impacted world relations. Your country now has one fifth of the world’s population, and is one of the largest economies in the world. The more China has started producing for the world market, the closer our ties with China have become. Economic interdependence offers great opportunities for enhanced cooperation in other areas as well, between our two countries and with all the nations of the world.
The Netherlands is gratified to have a broad and open relationship with China. This relationship, which is based on equality and mutual respect, enables us to discuss all issues, ranging from political questions to economic cooperation, and from cultural exchanges to human rights. And we are also cooperating militarily: in the Gulf of Aden, Chinese and Dutch naval vessels are participating in operations to combat piracy. All this shows that our countries are continuing to grow closer and are working together for a better, more just world. I wholeheartedly welcome such cooperation and sincerely hope that we can continue to expand it in the years ahead.
Because cooperate we must – in view of the great challenges facing the world in the twenty-first century. The recognition that no country can solve today’s problems alone is universal and acute. Last week I was delighted to see China take an active role at the G20 summit in Pittsburgh. And I was very encouraged by President Hu Jintao’s statement on climate change at the United Nations. It shows that China has not only become one of the world’s leading nations, but is also taking on the responsibilities that come with such a role.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today’s celebration happens to coincide with Mid-Autumn, one of the main festivals in the Chinese lunar year. Historically, this festival is associated with worshipping the Moon as a symbol of immortality – it is a time to celebrate longevity and harmony. How very applicable to this sixtieth anniversary! I wish the Chinese people a long and harmonious life!
Thank you.