The Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Edinburgh celebrated the Year of the Tiger with a virtual reception on 28 January. Chinese Consul General Ma Qiang, Annabelle Ewing MSP, Deputy Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, Scott Wightman, Director for External Affairs of the Scottish Government, Frank Ross, Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Richard Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, Rob Lang, Chair of the China Ready Initiative at the Edinburgh Tourism Action Group and some other guests spoke. The event was attended by around 150 representatives from Scottish city councils, educational and cultural sectors, friends of China and the Consulate-General and diplomats of foreign missions in Scotland as well as members of the local Chinese community and Chinese students.
Consul General Ma Qiang first extended his warmest Chinese New Year wishes to all friends. He then reflected upon China’s tremendous achievements in recovering from the pandemic and supporting global Covid response and mutual development in the past year. He also highlighted the centenary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the successs of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.
Consul General recognised that in these difficult times, China-Scotland relations had been making further progress with good policy coordination, enhanced mutual-beneficial cooperation and strengthened people-to-people links. In particular, members of the local Chinese community had volunteered to support and help to get through challenging times where possible.
Mr. Ma noted that the 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of ambassadorial relationship between China and the UK as well as the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Chinese Consulate-General. He looked forward to a stable and sound Sino-Scottish ties with new developments in political, economic, cultural and educational engagements.
In closing, Consul General said that China is ready to present to the world a streamlined, safe, and splendid Winter Olympics in a few day’s time. He wished both Chinese and Scottish athletes every success. Together for a shared future!
On behalf of the Scottish Parliament and Government, Annabelle Ewing MSP and Scott Wightman sent their kind Lunar New Year wishes. They both spoke highly of Chinese community’s important contribution to the diversity of Scotland and expressed the readiness to deepen cooperation and exchanges between Scotland and China. Lord Provost Frank Ross and Prof. Richard Williams also wished Beijing Winter Olympics runs smoothly and successfully. Rob Lang briefed on the 2022 ETAG Chinese New Year Celebrations Programme.
Speakers from the Chinese community shared their own stories about pulling together to combat Covid and promoting economic and cultural exchanges between China and Scotland. They vowed to deepen the two-way cooperation and exchanges in the new year.
On this occasion, a brief cultural programmes including videos of Beijing Winter Olympics, traditional Chinese dancing and bagpipe music was presented.
