Your Excellency Ambassador Sheikh Abudul Aziz Al Hosni, Head of the Asia-Pacific Department of the Foreign Ministry,
Your Excellency Dr. Khalid Al-Saidi, Chairman of the Oman-China Friendship Association,
Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Heads of Diplomatic Missions,
Dear Compatriots,
Good evening!
Tonight, I’m truly delighted to join you all in celebrating Chinese New Year! Chinese New Year occupies a cherished and unique place in the hearts of the Chinese people. In 2024, it has been officially added to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This achievement is not only a vivid testament to the enduring legacy of Chinese civilization but also a true reflection of China’s efforts to promote cultural exchange and mutual appreciation among civilizations.
At this moment of bidding farewell to the old year and ushering in the new, a time of reunion and blessings, I would like to, on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in the Sultanate of Oman, extend my early New Year greetings to all of our distinguished guests and fellow compatriots. May this new year bring you boundless happiness, vibrant health, and enduring prosperity for each and every one of you!
It’s a great honor for me to take up the role of Ambassador of China to Oman. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our Omani friends, my compatriots and Chinese companies here who have consistently supported our embassy and have actively contributed to strengthening China-Oman relations, as well as fostering cooperation across various fields. I am also deeply grateful to the Omani government for facilitating my assumption of duties. I look forward to building strong partnerships with my colleagues in the diplomatic mission to Oman.
There is an Arabic proverb that goes, “Man jad’da wa jada, wa Man Zara’a Hasada”, meaning, “Those who strive will succeed, and those who sow will reap.” In the year just passed, both Oman and China have made tireless efforts in national development, yielding significant and meaningful achievements. Under the strong leadership of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China with President Xi Jinping at its core, China marked the 75th anniversary of its founding with grand celebrations. The 3rd Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC was successfully convened, and new, solid steps were taken in advancing Chinese modernization. China’s GDP reached 134 trillion yuan, with a 5% growth rate, continuing to serve as a vital engine of global economic growth.
Embracing green development, China established the world’s most comprehensive new energy industrial chain, with annual production of electric vehicles exceeding 10 million for the first time. We have also made remarkable strides in scientific and technological innovation. The Chang’E-6 mission successfully sampled the far side of the moon, the “Dream” deep-sea drilling vessel reached depths of 10,000 meters, and significant breakthroughs were achieved in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence and quantum communication. Domestically, we raised basic pensions, lowered mortgage rates, striving to ensure that 1.4 billion Chinese people enjoy fulfilling and prosperous lives.
These achievements were hard-earned and rooted in China’s unwavering commitment to independence and self-reliance, as well as steadfast openness to the world. In line with the trend of history, we have harvested the fruits of advancing a community with a shared future for mankind. Significant progress has also been made towards a shared future between China and Arab states in this new era. We remain resolute in our commitment to globalization, advocating for a multipolar world defined by equality and order, alongside an inclusive and mutually beneficial economic globalization. Adhering to the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, we have deepened and enriched the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative.
For seven consecutive years, we have successfully hosted the China International Import Expo, consistently shortened the negative list for foreign investment, and fully liberalized access to the manufacturing sector, unlocking the immense potential of our vast market and driving substantial economic gains. We have continued to refine policies for foreigners visiting China, offering unilateral visa exemptions to citizens of 38 countries and transit visa exemptions to 54 countries, making "China Travel" a global phenomenon. China remains deeply committed to promoting high-level opening-up, creating fresh opportunities for Oman and countries around the world.
Not long ago, we joined friends from various sectors in Oman to celebrate the 5th anniversary of His Majesty Sultan Haitham's accession to the throne. Over the past five years, under His Majesty's visionary leadership, Oman has made steady progress in implementing Vision 2040, with the 10th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025) progressing smoothly. His Majesty Sultan Haitham has highlighted that Vision 2040 embodies the collective efforts of the nation and social consensus, and its successful realization relies on the shared responsibility of everyone. United and resolute in nation-building, the Omani people have achieved remarkable progress, laying solid foundation for social stability, national prosperity, and impressive progress in economic diversification. Oman’s cultural identity and national pride have also been continuously reinforced, paving the way for steady steps towards Vision 2040.
Ladies and gentlemen,
China and Oman are both ancient civilizations with a long-standing friendship that dates back centuries. Despite the vast distance, our two nations share similar philosophies and values. We both uphold the principles of independence and self-reliance, advocate for harmony, and are committed to safeguarding peace and stability domestically, regionally and internationally. In 2024, under the strategic leadership of President Xi Jiping and His Majesty Sultan Haitham, China and Oman further strengthened political trust and achieved remarkable results in practical cooperation.
A Chinese rocket successfully launched Oman’s first artificial satellite into space. The State Grid Corporation of China has made significant contributions to “Rabt”, namely the North-South Connection Project. Omani wild seafood is now directly exported to China, while Chinese-manufactured electric vehicles have quickly gained popularity in the Omani market. Furthermore, a Chinese language education cooperation program was signed, and this year, four Omani high schools will begin offering Chinese courses. The Chinese Embassy will continue to collaborate closely with friends from all sectors in Oman to strengthen political trust, deepen pragmatic cooperation, and foster closer bonds between our peoples. Dear Colleagues and friends, as said in the preface of Vision 2040, “the Future starts today”.
May China and Oman continue to prosper and flourish, and may our peoples enjoy happiness and well-being! I sincerely wish everyone new hopes and remarkable success in the year ahead. Thank you!