Remarks by Amb Tan Jian at the New Year Celebration
2020-09-16 14:49

Remarks by Amb Tan Jian at the New Year Celebration

at Friendship Square

(September 10, 2020 Addis Ababa)

Your Excellency President, Prime Minister and Vice Prime Minister,

Excellencies Ministers and State Ministers,

Distinguished guests and friends,

Ladies and gentlemen,

A very good morning to all of you!

Today is a big day.

Today, September 10th, is the eve of the Ethiopian New Year.

Happy New Year!

Melkam Addis Amet!

Today we gather here, at the Friendship Square, to celebrate the near-completion of its construction.

(Good project with multifaceted features)

How about this Square, do you like it?

I believe we all like it, you, me, and the Prime Minister.

The Friendship Square could be a timely gift for this new year.

It will become the new landmark of Addis Ababa.

The Friendship Square is really beautiful.

It has many salient features.

First, it reflects the civilization, cultural diversity and unity of this great country – Ethiopia.

From the 48-meter long embossed wall, to the embedded human migration routes, to the calla lily-shaped rostrum, the Friendship Square is like a narrative of the pride of the Ethiopian nation.

It showcases the best of Ethiopia to all people across the African continent, and across the world at large, bearing in mind that Ethiopia is the land of origin, and Addis Ababa is the political capital of Africa.

Second, it will boost economic development.

It will promote the service economy, creating jobs, generating revenues.

It will be a tourist attraction. People from other countries will also like it.

In fact, Ethiopia, the age-old civilization, is well-positioned to develop tourism. Ethiopia could and would become one of the most visited countries in the world in the post-COVID-19 age.

I am sure the Ethiopian Airlines will bring more and more Chinese tourists, in particular, to Ethiopia, to Addis Ababa, and to this Friendship Square.

Third, this is a people-oriented project.

It is a place for recreation and relaxation, people taking strolls, tasting coffee, dine and wine.

And in the second phase of construction, there will be a Palace of Science and Technology, a Wedding Garden, a Children’s Park.

Indeed, the Friendship Square is designed to meet the needs of the people.

It is for everyone, be it children, adults, marrying couples or sports lovers.

Projects like the Friendship Square, the Entoto Park, the Unity Park, will help make Addis Ababa more livable and loveable.

Fourth, this is a green project.

The lush trees, blooming flowers, clear waters and green lawns, all bring out the natural beauty of the country, creating a unique space of harmonious co-existence between human and nature.

It is in line with the Green Legacy Initiative advanced by the Ethiopian government.

It is worthy the name of the city: Addis Ababa, the new flower.

The capital of Ethiopia is getting more and more beautiful.

Last but not least, this is a friendship project.

It is to further promote the friendship between our two countries – China and Ethiopia, between our two peoples – Chinese and Ethiopians.

Some may ask if this will add to the debt burden of Ethiopia? No, it will not. This is a China-aid project.

Some may ask if China is doing the alleged “Palace Diplomacy”? No. This is not a palace, but a public space, a people park.

Let me also say that, like all the other projects, there is no political strings attached.

China and African countries have been supporting each other, be it for political independence, or for economic and social development. We aim to build a stronger community with a shared future between China and Africa.

A case in point is our mutual support in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

With solidarity, we will prevail; with international cooperation, we will defeat the virus.

We value our friendship and cooperation with African countries, and with Ethiopia.

(Thanks)

I wish to take this opportunity to thank all those who have contributed to the Friendship Square project, Chinese and Ethiopians.

I want to thank CCCC and China Urban Construction Design & Research Institute, for the hard work and fast speed.

My colleagues, Minister Counsellor Liu Yu and her team, are with us now. We know how much time and energy they have devoted to the project. Thank you, Liu.

My thanks also go to the Prime Minister’s office, the Addis Ababa city administration, and many other Ethiopian departments and colleagues. Your support, cooperation and timely intervention have made the success possible.

Last yet most importantly, my special thanks to the Prime Minister, for this great idea, and the guidance during the designing and building of the Square.

I still vividly recall the groundbreaking ceremony of this project, held only 11 months ago.

It was a wasteland at that time. On that occasion, we pledge: we will deliver, and deliver fast.

There have been countless challenges encountered, including the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic that has ground the world economy to a halt.

Yet with our joint efforts and hard work, in less than one year, the first phase of the project is drawing to a close.

It’s like a miracle.

The design is of high standard, the construction high quality, on a par with the best parks or square in China and in other parts of the world.

We give attention to the details.

We have made good on the promise.

Hope it could be well maintained and managed.

(Bilateral relations)

This year, 2020, marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Ethiopia.

Our bilateral relationship is called Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

I am so happy that we have this flagship project and friendship project to commemorate the anniversary.

It is a testament to our ever-deepening friendship over the past half century.

And I am sure that the cooperation will be brought to new heights.

(Concluding remarks)

I have been working here for about three years.

It has been a great honour and pleasure to serve as the ambassador of China to Ethiopia.

I love this country – Ethiopia!

I love this city – Addis Ababa!

And I love this Square!

Welcome to the Friendship Square!

Long live China-Ethiopia friendship!

May Ethiopia enjoy peace and prosperity!

Thank you very much!

Amesegenalew!