On 28 September 2022, the Chinese Consulate-General in Edinburgh held an online event to celebrate the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of the Consulate-General. Angus Robertson MSP, Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Councillor Robert Aldridge, Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Mr. Gilford Law, Director-General of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London and around 100 other guests including friends from political, business, educational and cultural sectors as well as representatives from the Chinese community and Scotland-based Chinese companies joined on this occasion.
The event opened with the national anthem of the PRC. Chinese Acting Consul Mme Hou Danna then gave a keynote speech.
Hou said that since the founding of the PRC, in particular after the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (2012), China has been developing by leaps and bounds in economy and society, sci-tech and innovation, environment and social security, ethnicity and religion. Meantime China played a major role in global affairs with significant contribution to international cooperation on COVID response and climate change. Since the beginning of this year, China has made parallel progress in COVID prevention & control, and economic & social development. China effectively safeguards the health and safety of people while sustains healthy economic development.
Hou expressed that for the past 25 years after the establishment of the Consulate-General, pragmatic cooperation between China and Scotland in politics, trade, culture, technology, education and other areas have witnessed rapid development. As for this year, Sino-Scottish relations see increase of mutual visits, stronger connectivity, progressive green partnership and recovering people-to-people exchanges. The Consulate-General always cares for the Chinese community and will continue to provide best possible services.
Hou stressed that history and facts have proven that China’s sole development goal is to meet Chinese people’s aspiration for a better life. China’s development brings the world opportunities rather than challenges. In October, the 20th National Congress of the CPC is to be held in Beijing. It will draw blueprint for the development of China in the next five or more years and will also draft plans for making greater contribution to the world peace and development. Looking ahead, China stands ready to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with Scotland to achieve common development on the basis of equality and mutual respect.
Angus Robertson MSP and Cllr Robert Aldridge both sent congratulations and spoke highly of the fruitful cultural, educational and green development links between Scotland and China. They expected to strengthen these links for the benefit of the two peoples.
Guests present sent their best wishes for China and they vowed to work together to promote China-Scotland friendship and cooperation for a better future.
At the event, commemorative videos of “Great Long Friendship, A Shared Future For All” was played, showing the traditional Sino-Scottish friendship and fruitful results of cooperation. The Chinese community also put on performances to the great delight of the guests.
