Your Honor Judge Stoilov of the Constitutional Court,

Your Honor Deputy Speakers Angelov and Ganev of the National Assembly,

Your Honor Deputy Prime Minister Pulev,

Your Honor members of parliament and vice ministers,

Dear fellow diplomats,

Dear compatriots,

Ladies and gentlemen, friends:

It is a great pleasure to gather with old and new friends to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria, I extend a warm welcome to all the guests, sincere thanks to friends from all circles who have long cared about and supported China-Bulgaria relations, and cordial festive greetings to compatriots working, studying and living in Bulgaria.

This year marks the 77th anniversary of the founding of New China. Over the past 77 years, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have united in endeavor and forged ahead, having achieved the historic leap from a poor and backward country to the world’s second largest economy and from widespread deprivation to overall moderate prosperity, and with the two miracles of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability created. China has become the world’s largest manufacturer and trader in goods as well as the second largest consumer market. China’s development has profoundly transformed the country and made important contributions to global economic growth and human progress.

This year also marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. The CPC is now the world’s largest governing party, with over 100 million members. The key to its historic achievements lies in its unyielding pursuit of truth, deep roots among the people, commitment to its historical mission, responsiveness to development trends, willingness and ability to struggle when necessary, and constant efforts to strengthen itself. The Chinese people, under the strong leadership of the CPC, will continue to advance with resolve toward the great goal of building a modern socialist country in all respects and realizing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

This year is the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan. The plan draws a blueprint for China’s economic and social development over the next five years and offers an opportunity list for Bulgaria and other countries. In the first half of this year, China’s economy grew by 4.7 percent, with GDP reaching 9 trillion euros, maintaining medium-high growth on a large base. Despite multiple shocks such as global energy shortages and severely disrupted supply chains, the Chinese economy has remained resilient and stable, providing valuable certainty for the world. China’s automobile industry remains the world’s largest in both production and sales. New drivers—advanced manufacturing, the digital and smart economy, and modern services—contributed over 40 percent of first-half growth. I hope the humanoid robots performing today will impress you all.

This year marks the 55th anniversary of the restoration of New China’s lawful seat in the United Nations. Over the past 55 years, China has firmly upheld the UN-centered international system and the international order based on international law, and played a constructive role in safeguarding world peace and development. In response to changes in the world, times and history, President Xi Jinping has proposed the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind and successively put forward the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative, offering Chinese solutions to development problems, security challenges, cultural exchanges and global governance reform. The Four Global Initiatives respond to the trend of peace, development, cooperation and win-win progress, have received positive international response, and demonstrate China’s sense of responsibility as a major country. We stand ready to work with Bulgaria, Europe and the broader international community to implement the Four Global Initiatives, make global governance proceed on a more just and equitable basis, and add certainty, stability and positive energy to an uncertain world.

This year also marks the 77th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Bulgaria. Over the past 77 years, our friendship has grown ever stronger. In 2019, President Xi Jinping and President Radev jointly elevated bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, opening a new chapter. Since the beginning of this year, high-level exchanges have become more frequent. In June, State Councilor Cheng Yiqin visited Bulgaria. Earlier this month, Deputy Prime Minister Pulev led a large business delegation to China and attended major expos as well as the China-Bulgaria economic joint commission meeting, injecting new impetus into practical economic cooperation. On the Bulgarian side, four regional governors, twelve municipal leaders and seven vice ministers visited China; on the Chinese side, nine officials at vice-ministerial level and above visited Bulgaria. Both sides share a strong desire to enhance exchanges and deepen cooperation. The future of China-Bulgaria relations will be even brighter.

Cultural and people-to-people exchanges are thriving. The China National Peking Opera Company gave its first dedicated performance in Bulgaria in its 70-year history; the Central Opera Theatre toured Bulgaria with the classic opera Turandot; and the fourth Dragon Boat Cultural Festival was successfully held in Yambol. Bulgarian contestants achieved excellent results in the “Chinese Bridge” language competition. These rich exchanges have brought our peoples closer.

Today we also display thangka, known as traditional Tibetan cultural artworks, presenting Tibet as a region with a long history and brilliant culture. We highly appreciate the extending of condolences by Bulgarian leaders over the recent mudslide at the Gyirong port in Tibet. This is a vivid example of our friendship.

The international situation is now marked by turbulence and changes; the world needs dialogue, cooperation and solidarity more than ever. China and Europe are partners, not rivals. Cooperation far outweighs competition, and consensus are far more than differences between us. We hope to work with the European side to deepen cooperation, properly manage differences, and promote the sound and stable development of our relations.

We will soon celebrate the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. May the full moon illuminate the path of friendship and a brighter future for China-Bulgaria and China-Europe cooperation.

Now let us wish our great motherland prosperity and stability.

May China-Bulgaria and China-Europe relations reach new heights.

May all guests enjoy happiness, good health and success.

Thank you.