H.E. Mr. Huang Zhongpo, Chinese Ambassador in Estonia, held a reception for the deputies from the Estonia-China Parliamentary Group of the Riigikogu on October 21, 2008. Following is the speech by Ambassador Huang in the reception.

Honorable Mr. Kallo,

Honorable Deputies from the Riigikogu,

I'm very glad to meet deputies from the Estonia-China Parliamentary Group of the Riigikogu. I'd like to take this opportunity to express my sincere greetings to the deputies who have long been working to promote our bilateral friendly cooperation!

During recent years, China-Estonia relations develop smoothly. Mutual personnel exchanges are increasing, mutual political trust is strengthening, bilateral cooperation in all fields is expanding and the good cooperation between the two parliaments is developing. This is a result of two sides' concerted efforts and also the contribution by all of you present here today. It should be emphasized that as the members of the Estonia-China Parliamentary Group, you attach importance to and care about the bilateral relations, and play a unique role in safeguarding the healthy development of the bilateral relations. I'd like to take this chance to express my heartfelt gratitude to you!

China and Estonia are far away from each other and one poses no threat at all to the other. There is neither fundamental conflict of interests nor unsettled problems between China and Estonia. There is no harm but only benefits in developing the China-Estonia relations. I would like to reiterate here that China values its relations with Estonia and sees Estonia as an equal cooperative partner. We respect the developing road chosen by the Estonian people, support the efforts by Estonia to safeguard its national independence and sovereignty and would like to push the bilateral relations further forward on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit.

Dear friends,

It is my mission to strengthen the mutual understanding and promote the friendship between the two peoples. It is my duty to deepen mutual beneficial cooperation and develop the bilateral relations. I believe my efforts will receive the valuable understanding, trust and support from all of you.

Once again, welcome to my residence. I propose, for the developing of the bilateral relations, cheers!