Honorable Mr. MIRO CERAR,PRIME MINISTER OF THE REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA

Honorable Mr. Mitja Bervar, President of the National Council of the Republic of Slovenia,

Honorable Ms. Bojana Muršič,Vice President of National Assembly,

Honorable Mr. Primož Hainz, Vice President of National Assembly,

Honorable Mr. Darko Brlek,Artistic and Managing Director of Ljubljana Festival,

Honorable Ministers and Ambassadors,

Ladies and gentlemen,

With the refreshing breeze of the golden autumn, we will celebrate the forthcoming 66th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China. On this special occasion, we have invited China National Opera House to present a grand opera named "Turandot" for us. On behalf of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of Slovenia, I wish to extend my warm welcome and sincere gratitude to all the distinguished guests and audience present tonight.

In the past 66 years, Chinese social productivity, comprehensive national strength and people's living standards have been making historic strides, hence China has become the second largest economy in the world. China will host the 2022 Winter Olympic Games after successfully holding the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing. In recent years, China has initiated " One Belt and One Road" strategy and established strategic cooperation mechanism between China and Central and Eastern European countries, striving to share the fruits of development with more countries including Central and Eastern European countries.

After assuming my new post as ambassador in Slovenia, I have personally experienced the friendly China-Slovenia cooperation and pragmatic achievements in the political, economic and cultural fields. The year 2015 has witnessed frequent high-level visits between our two countries. Mr. Bervar, President of the National Council of the Republic of Slovenia visited China successfully. Leaders of Slovenia will also pay a visit to China within this year. I am fully convinced that the aforementioned high-level visits will surely give renewed impetus to China-Slovenia cooperation and lift China-Slovenia friendship to a new high.

"Turandot" is a unique opera which combines Chinese elements and background into a classic western opera. Today, I hope that all the guests and audience can resonate with China and understand China better while enjoying the wonderful performance presented by China National Opera House.

In conclusion, I wish our two countries prosperity and our people well-being. Long live China-Slovenia friendship!

Thank you!