(23 February 2016, Golden Peacock Hotel)

Hon. Dr. George Chaponda, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation,

Officials from the Malawian Government,

Excellencies from the Diplomatic Corps,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening! Thank you for coming to my farewell reception.

I will finish my mission and return to China next week. It's a bitter sweet occasion for me and my wife to wave goodbye to the Warm Heart of Africa. But I feel fortunate to have served as Chinese ambassador to Malawi during the extraordinary period of time in our bilateral ties.

I'm leaving Malawi with satisfaction with our bilateral relations.  The past years have seen healthy and rapid development of the bilateral relations thanks to the efforts of both sides. It is true today our relations are as high, broad and deep as ever. Mutual trust, mutual respect and mutual understanding have been enhanced through frequent high level visits and exchanges at all levels. A few days ago, H.E. Mr. Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister visited Malawi, which was the first leg of his first trip after the Johannesburg Summit of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. Our cooperation has been further expanded and deepened in all fields. China has supported Malawi's economic and social development by providing grants, loans, investments, training opportunities and scholarships. In particular, we have witnessed the signs of the Parliament Building, Bingu International Conference Center and Five-Star hotel, Presidential Villas, Karonga-Chitipa Road, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Bingu National Stadium, all of which are true testimony of the noble spirit of "a friend in need is a friend indeed".

I'm leaving Malawi with good faith in our two peoples. Amity between people holds the key to sound relations between states. Cultural exchanges between the two countries have become more and more intense. I always think back to the day I arrived in Lilongwe. A Malawian friend in the airport waved to me and said "ni hao", the Chinese greeting. I was deeply touched by the warmth and friendship of local people. And nowadays, I can hear "ni hao" everywhere I go.

I'm leaving Malawi with deep gratitude. As I say goodbye to you, I wish to extend my sincere thanks to H.E. Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika, and ministers, high officials of legislature, judiciary and administration of Malawi for their support and help to myself and to the Chinese Embassy as a whole. I want to thank the parliament, different political parties, social sectors and diplomatic corps for your support. My thanks also go to my colleagues in the Chinese Embassy for working with me shoulder to shoulder. My special thanks go to my wife, Madam Nan Xinrong. It is her dedication that makes my work here in Lilongwe more meaningful and enjoyable.

Looking forward to the future, we have reason to believe that China-Malawi relations will be closer, and the exchanges under the framework of China-Africa cooperation will be more positive and active. Therefore, we have every reason to celebrate for the results we have achieved since the establishment of diplomatic relations eight years ago. We should proceed with the faith that tomorrow will be better.

Leaving the beautiful country for me and my wife is like the last sip of Muzuzu coffee, still warm but already with a little bitter. It's not the goodbye that hurts, but the flashbacks that follow. I will miss Malawi very much in the years to come.

But as the old Chinese saying goes, "Long distance separates no bosom friends". This world is both big and small. I hope our paths cross again in the future and I look forward to meeting with you soon. My successor H.E. Mr. Wang Shiting is an experienced diplomat. I am sure you will continue to support Mr. Lai Xing, the Chargés d'affaires ad interim, and the new Ambassador.

Now may I invite all of you to join me in a toast?

For the good health of H.E. Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika!

For the ever-lasting friendship between China and Malawi!

For the wellbeing and happiness of the peoples of our two countries!

Cheers!