Your Excellency Professor Bingu wa Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi, and Madam Callista Chapola Mutharika, the First Lady of Malawi,

Right Honorable Mrs. Joyce Banda, Vice President of Malawi and Mr. Banda,

Right Honorable Mr. Henry Chimunthu Banda, Speaker of Parliament, and Madam Chimunthu Banda

Honorable Visiting Speakers,

Honorable Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers,

Honorable Members of Parliament,

Dean and Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Mr. Bright Msaka, Chief Secretary and Senior Government Officials,

Traditional Leaders and Leaders of Political Parties,

Press Friends,

Distinguish Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to be here in Malawi for the inauguration of the new parliament building, a project undertaken by the Chinese government. Upon arrival, I got a warm welcome by the Malawian people and had the honor to meet with the President and the Speaker of Malawi. I was deeply impressed by what is called the “Warm Heart of Africa”. Let me begin by extending, on behalf of the Chinese government and the National People’s Congress of China, warm congratulations on the completion of the building.

The new parliament building is a fruit of the close cooperation between the Chinese and Malawian governments, a monument to the China-Malawi friendship. Its construction officially started in March 2009. Thanks to the wisdom and hard work of the staff from both sides, it took only one year and ten days to complete the project, five months ahead of schedule. This is truly a miracle in the history of construction in Malawi. It is a showcase of the quality, speed and efficiency of cooperation between the two countries. I would like to express sincere gratitude and cordial greetings to the workers from both China and Malawi.

The Chinese government is “true in word and resolute in deed”. It has honored its commitment of assistance to Malawi, and the inauguration of this building is a good example. Before the construction began, China, like other countries, was under the severe negative impact of the international financial crisis in its economic and social development. Nevertheless, the Chinese government did not reduce or postpone its assistance to Malawi, but fully implemented all assistance projects, including the parliament building. A number of landmark projects will be completed with assistance from the Chinese government in the coming two to three years, such as the Karonga-Chitipa road and a five-star hotel/international conference center. That, we believe, will give a further boost to our friendly ties and provide a strong stimulus to the economic and social development in Malawi.

China and Malawi established diplomatic relations over two years ago. With the personal commitment of the leaders of our two countries, our friendship has been developing well and fast on the basis of mutual respect, sincerity, equality, mutual benefit and win-win progress. Chinese medical workers and young volunteers are working side by side with their Malawian friends. We thank Malawi for actively participating in and supporting the Beijing Olympic Games and the Shanghai World Expo. We also thank Malawi for its sincere wishes for China’s peaceful reunification and modernization. Our cooperation has brought real benefits to the people in both countries. Most recently, President Prof. Bingu wa Mutharika attended the opening ceremony of the Shanghai World Expo, and had a fruitful meeting with President Hu Jintao. The two leaders reached importance agreement on further growing the bilateral relationship, adding to the momentum of sustained development of our ties. China will work with Malawi to implement the agreement reached by the two presidents, increase friendly contacts and strengthen practical cooperation across the board.

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear friends,

China and Malawi are both developing countries, and we both face the huge task of national development and improvement of living standards. To consolidate our relations serves the fundamental interest of both. The Chinese people cherish friendly feelings towards the people of Malawi. Our cooperation promises a bright future. China will always be a good friend, good partner and good brother of Malawi.

May Malawi enjoy prosperity and development and the Malawian people enjoy happiness and good health!

Malawi, China, Woye！