Honourable Mpotjoane, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations,

Friends from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure to join my friends from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this sunny day for this very meaningful tree-planting and friendship-building event. Here, I would like to express my gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Forestry of Lesotho for their meticulous organization and thoughtful arrangements, to the Maseru City Council for the careful selection of the tree-planting site, and to the young colleagues of the Embassy for their efforts in preparing for this event.

When preparing for this event, both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy proposed the idea of tree-planting. This is the first time for many colleagues of the Embassy to plant trees in the Southern Hemisphere and in December. This undoubtedly reflects that green and sustainable development has become a common pursuit of all countries and a common cause of all mankind. The Right Honorable the Prime Minister Matekane’s initiative to plant trees along urban roads is the best demonstration of Lesotho's determination for green development. Today, we actively respond to the Prime Minister's initiative and take concrete actions to fulfill the green development commitments of our two countries and contribute to addressing climate change. I feel very honored.

Tree-planting requires choosing the appropriate time and environment based on real conditions. The same is true for a country's development. What kind of path is suitable for Lesotho's national conditions? The people of Lesotho have the most say and the final say. China always respects and encourages all countries to independently choose development paths that suit their own national conditions and spares no efforts to provide support.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Lesotho. Over the past 30 years, with the joint efforts of the governments and people of both countries, China-Lesotho relations have flourished like bamboo shoots after a spring rain. This year, cooperation between China and Lesotho in various fields has achieved remarkable results. As diplomats, we are entrusted with the responsibility of implementing our country's foreign policy and the mission of promoting mutual understanding and cooperation among countries around the world. Today, we are here to plant trees, engage in friendly exchanges, share work experiences and deepen our friendship. The Embassy is also working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant departments to implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit and bring benefits to the two countries and their people.

Finally, I would like to share some of my thoughts and experiences since taking office half a year ago. First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lesotho, the Principal Secretary, and the staff of the Ministry for their relentless support for the Embassy and the development of China-Lesotho relations.

In the past 6 months, I have made many new and good friends through visits and meetings. I have visited all the 10 districts of Lesotho through inspecting projects and participating in local activities, and was amazed by the magnificent natural scenery and cultural customs. In this process, I was deeply touched by the firm support from Lesotho people and their enthusiasm in promoting China-Lesotho relations.

Today, I also brought a special gift from Beijing, which is a New Year's card from Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and the Foreign Minister of China, to the Foreign Minister of Lesotho. This card is a microcosm of the friendly relations between China and Lesotho in the past year, and it is also the starting point for opening a new chapter in China-Lesotho cooperation. In the new year, the Embassy will continue to work hand in hand with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lesotho to implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, deepen practical cooperation in various fields including politics, economy, and humanities, and elevate China-Lesotho relations to a new level.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend New Year's greetings to the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lesotho, wishing you and your family good health and prosperity in the coming new year.

Thank you!