Respected Mr. Shaukat Mahmood

President of National Press Club

Respected Mr. Kamal Uddin Shabuj

General Secretary of NPC

Dear Friends and Colleagues

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Assalamualaikum and Good Evening.

It is indeed a great honor and pleasure to attend the farewell reception in my honor in this lovely evening. I am extremely happy to see here a grand union of old friends from press and media. I am also glad to revisit NPC once again where I had been dozens of times. I would like, on behalf of my wife, to express our profound gratitude to President Shaukat for his kind invitation and hospitable arrangement.

As you all know that during my 30 years of diplomatic career, most of the time was devoted to Bangladeshi affairs no matter in Dhaka or Beijing. In Dhaka alone, I spent 50% of my diplomatic life in different capacities. From a student of Dhaka University to the Ambassador of China to Bangladesh, I have the opportunity to see through my eyes the amazing changes of the society, the remarkable development of the economy and the great improvement of the people's life. With the advantage of knowing the local language, I tried for 30 years to study and understand Bangladesh and its people. I think that I have become to know them. I could deeply feel the true love and genuine friendship of the people of Bangladesh to the people of China. I have made a lot of good friends in various walks of life and spent wonderful life here. Therefore, I have special sentiment on Bangladesh and its people, and consider Dhaka as my second home.

My dear friends, China and Bangladesh are close neighbors. The traditional friendship between the two countries dates back to ancient times and is deeply rooted in the hearts of our two peoples. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh in 1975, the friendly relations between the two countries have been developing soundly and smoothly. On the basis of the five principles of peaceful coexistence and in accordance with mutual benefits, China and Bangladesh have forged all-round and multi-faceted exchange and cooperations in politics, economy, trade, culture, science and technology with outstanding achievements. The time-tested Sino-Bangladesh friendship has been shaped as long stability, mutual confidence and assistance.

During my three and a half years stay in Bangladesh as Ambassador, I have tried my best to further improve the friendly relations and cooperation between our two countries. The total trade volume almost doubled up to 3 billion USD. And I feel pride in putting my special efforts to facilitate the establishment of the direct air-link between Beijing and Dhaka via Kunming, making the personnel exchange much more convenient. In 2005, the year of Sino-Bangladesh Friendship and the 30th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, our two sides successfully carried out series of celebration programmes. It is particularly worthwhile mentioning that the heads of the two governments realized exchange of visits in the same year of 2005, which witnessed the establishment of Sino-Bangladesh Comprehensive Partnership of Cooperation featuring long-term friendship, equality and mutual benefit. The bilateral relations were injected with new impetus and stepped into a new era of advancement. It is necessary to mention that friends from Bangladesh press and media have made special contributions in promoting the cause of Sino-Bangladesh friendship. I sincerely hope and believe that with our joint efforts the Sino-Bangladeshi friendly relations and cooperation will be further consolidated and enhanced in the days to come in the benefits of our two peoples.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

China and Bangladesh both are great countries. In the current era, we each are stepping on the unique path towards progress and prosperity through incessant renovation and retrospection. It is true that China has made a good mark in this race. Phenomenal achievements have been made during the last over two decades since launching the policy of reform and opening-up to the outside world. The GDP rose from 216.5 billion USD in 1978 to 2626.9 billion USD in 2006, while the total volume of import and export increased from 20.6 billion USD to 1760.7 billion USD. The number of poverty-hit people in rural areas has lowered to 21.5 million from 250 million.

Chinese experiences tell us that a government's performance in addressing the reform, development and stability determines performance of the country and its people. Development is fundamental principle. Reform is the motive force of development and is the only way to modernization. Stability serves as the precondition of the development and reform, and development and reform will bring about consistent stability.

There is no denying that Bangladesh has its share of challenges and experiences. As a half Bangladeshi, I always share the grief with you when the appalling flood and typhoon occurred, and feel the common delight witnessing the country out of difficulty thanks to the people's profound courage and wisdom. I am pleased to see the fast development in textile and garments industry, the increase of export income, and the moderate GDP growth. Here I can't help recalling Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's remark during his visit to Bangladesh in 2005. Bangladesh successfully feed upon 10% of Chinese population in just 1.4% of Chinese territory. This is a miracle. Bangladesh is a land of 140 million diligent and intelligent people and it has tremendous potentials in social advancement and economic development. There is every reason to believe in the better future of Bangladesh, as long as it is piloted under the honest, dynamic and efficient leadership.

Dear friends, I have indeed a nice and memorable stay in Dhaka for the 5th time. If you consider I have successfully fulfilled my task, I must say I could not do it without the support and assistance from you, my genuine friends of years. As the king without crown, you play the indispensable role to build up a pluralistic, inclusive, meritocratic and knowledge-based society. With the most profound love and professionalism, you help with your voices and pens to introduce the external merits to Bangladesh and vice versa. For me, your valuable suggestions, support and fraternity render substantial benefit to my life and work here. I will always keep in mind of the pleasant days with you.

On the eve of my departure, I have to admit the complex emotions in heart. For diplomats, we always move on in our jobs during whole life, but that does not mean we move on in our friendship. This reminds me of a famous ancient Chinese poem. It reads As long as you have a friend who knows your heart, distance can't keep you two apart. Wherever I may be, I will always recall with pride and honor for the designation of "Good Friend of Bangladesh" accorded to me tonight. Wherever I may be, I will always cherish the good memory of my life in Bangladesh and friendship with you all.

Let me end my speech with the poem of Tagore in Stray Birds I came to your shore as a stranger, I lived in your house as a guest, I leave your door as a friend, my earth.

May Bangladesh enjoy peace, progress and prosperity,

May China and Bangladesh enjoy everlasting friendship and even closer mutual-beneficial cooperation,

Wish every one present here good health and happiness.

Thank you and I will miss you all.