(Khartoum, December 11, 2022)

Your Excellency Ambassador Mohammed Mauaynainy, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps,

Your Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear friends and colleagues,

Good evening. It is an honor and privilege for me to be invited to attend the farewell reception. Let me express my deep gratitude to Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador Mohammed Mauaynainy for holding this reception for me to bid farewell. I also want to thank every friend here for coming to the reception tonight. I am delighted to see again many old friends before I complete my tour of office. At this moment, it is hard to say goodbye to you all.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to offer congratulations to the Ambassadors of Qatar and Morocco, on Qatar’s successful hosting of the World Cup, and Morocco’s historic advance to the semi-finals of the game. This is a victory for Arab and African countries. As good friends, we also share in your happiness.

At the same time, I want to say congratulations to all Arab countries on the successful first China-Arab States Summit. It is a milestone on the history of China-Arab exchanges and will surely promote the development of China-Arab relations.

Your Excellencies,

Dear friends and colleagues,

Three-year-and-eleven-month ago, I first arrived at this beautiful African continent as Chinese Ambassador to Sudan. During my time here, I was proud to witness with you the historic moment of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Sudan. We also stood shoulder to shoulder amid changes unseen in Sudan in the past three decades, amid the once-in-a-century pandemic and amid Sudan’s political transition. I was deeply touched by the close affinity between the two peoples and was grateful that I had many new close friends here. This is a pleasant and unforgettable experience in my diplomatic life.

Over the past three years and more, China-Sudan relationship has stood the tests and achieved new progress and breakthroughs.

I’ve been privileged to witness the considerable growth in China-Sudan relations. We have worked together to consolidate strategic partnership and deepen political mutual trust, giving each other firmer support. Our practical cooperation in oil, agriculture, trade, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, and infrastructure has continued to grow, with a number of new projects implemented one after another.

Just three days ago, President Xi Jinping and President Burhan successfully held their first face-to-face meeting on the sidelines of the first China-Arab States Summit. Our two leaders reached important consensus, which steered the course of bilateral relationship. President Xi said that China supports all parties in Sudan in continuing to push for steady political transition through dialogue and consultation, opposes interference by external forces in Sudan’s internal affairs. President Xi stressed that China will continue to provide assistance for Sudan’s development within its capacity, carry out cooperation in oil, agriculture, mining and other fields, and encourage capable Chinese enterprises to participate in construction projects in Sudan to help Sudan’s economic and social development. I am confident that the firmer our bilateral relationship grows, the closer our partnership will be.

I’ve been privileged to feel deep affection between the people of China and Sudan. Our peoples have built closer ties through more dynamic exchanges.Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the two peoples have come to each other’s aid and navigated through the difficulties together. The Sudan Acrobatic Troupe, hailed as the flower of China-Sudan friendship, expressed solidarity and support. The medical expert team sent by the Chinese government helped Sudan with epidemic prevention and control. A large number of vaccines, medicines and medical devices donated by the Chinese side were shipped to the country in time. When Sudan was confronted with raging floods, China donated in cash and in kind to help with disaster relief.

On the educational front, the new friendship multimedia classrooms set up at three friendship schools light the beacon of dreams for students, while Chinese Ambassador’s Book Houses launched in four renowned universities will enable the youth to see the world from broader perspectives. The Confucius Institute at the University of Khartoum, where more than 30,000 Sudanese people learned Chinese language, has been a contributor to promoting exchanges and mutual learning between our two sides. In addition, 37 groups of Chinese medical practitioners that dedicate themselves to their work at three friendship hospitals, helped over eight million local patients get recovered. I believe that the proven friendship has been deeply embedded in the hearts of our two peoples and will be renewed from generation to generation.

I’ve been privileged to travel to many parts of this promising land full of magnificent scenery and tremendous potential. From the mysterious Meroe Pyramids to the splendid Dinder National Park, from the gorgeous scenery on the Red Sea coast to the mighty Blue and White Niles, from the beautiful landscape at Nuba Mountains to the unique atmosphere in Darfur, all this has given birth to the brilliant Nubia Civilization and its diverse and inclusive culture, and nurtured the industrious and intelligent people of the country.

The special advantages of Sudan, such as its identity as a member of Arab, African and Islamic World, its geographical significance, vast land, and abundance of fresh water, oil and mineral resources, as well as human resources, mean enormous development potential and prospects. I am positive about Sudan’s promising future, as long as a right development path is followed.

Your Excellencies,

Dear friends and colleagues,

As an ancient Chinese poem reads, “Green hills immerse in the same cloud and rain. The same moon lights up towns however far away.” I will never forget my days as Chinese Ambassador to Sudan, as it has been a meaningful part of my life experience. Before I leave, I wish to express my greatest thanks toDean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador Mohammed Mauaynainy and every Ambassador and diplomatic envoy present here, for your long-term great support and assistance to myself and the Chinese Embassy in Sudan over the years, especially your dedication and commitment to promoting China’s relations with Sudan and other countries.

I will treasurethe good relationship with all friends made in Sudan. As a Chinese poem goes,“Good friends feel close to each other even when they are thousands of miles away.”I am looking forward to seeing you again and renewing our friendship.

To conclude, I wish all countries enjoy prosperity and our peoples live in peace. I sincerely wish Your Excellencies every success in your future endeavors.

Thank you all.