My dear colleagues,

Nine ambassadors made solemn oaths just now and Han Zhiqiang spoke on behalf of them. Hereby, on behalf of the CPC Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I’d like to extend sincere congratulations to the newly appointed ambassadors, a warm welcome to your families and representatives from the general public attending today’s ceremony, and heartfelt thanks to all of your for your strong support to the diplomatic cause of China for years.

The world today is undergoing major changes and adjustments. The development of China is entering a new historical stage. At this very moment, you, as the representatives of the motherland and the 1.3 billion Chinese people, are going abroad to serve as ambassadors. This not only is a high honor for you, but also means huge responsibilities and a strong sense of mission. Before you take your new posts, I’d like to share my expectations for you, which I hope could inspire both you and me.

I. To discipline yourself in your diplomatic work against the criteria of “politicians” and firmly safeguard China’s national interest.

The fundamental task of diplomacy is to safeguard the national sovereignty, security and interests. You should always take your motherland into your heart and always place national interests first. You should always remain faithful to the party, the motherland and the people. You should earnestly study and understand the party’s basic strategy of “governing the country and managing state affairs”, thoroughly implement the scientific outlook on development, and take into consideration both domestic and international situation. You should center your work on the central tasks of the party and the country. You should have a high degree of political responsibilities and a strong sense of mission. You should thoroughly understand, implement and execute the country's diplomatic guidelines, principles and policies, and resolutely safeguard national interests.

II. To guide your diplomatic work with scientific principles and actively promote bilateral relations and multilateral cooperation.

Safeguarding China’s national interests and promoting the healthy and sustainable development of bilateral relations is your sacred mission. You should, through in-depth study and practice of the scientific outlook on development, increase forward-looking and innovation awareness and strengthen macro research and strategic planning. You should have a dynamic view of the world and a dialectical view of happenings and skillfully deal with the problems. You should improve you abilities to judge the situation, seize opportunities, make decisions on a scientific basis, and deal with the challenges. You should make your due contributions to creating new highlights for bilateral relations and multilateral cooperation, promoting the friendly ties between China and other countries and building a harmonious world.

III. To serve the people in the principle of “putting people first” and faithfully practice the philosophy of “diplomacy for the people”.

"Serving the people wholeheartedly" is the ultimate purpose of our party. The core of the scientific outlook on development is to “put people first". With the deepening and widening of reform and opening-up, there are more and more citizens and businesses going abroad. You, as diplomatic envoys, should on one hand guide them to abide by local laws, respect local customs, and get along well with the local people and on the other hand do a good job in handling overseas Chinese affairs and consular protection affairs with a highly responsible attitude to the party and the people. You should do your best to provide quality services to Chinese citizens and legal persons abroad, find every possible means to solve their problems, and safeguard their legitimate rights and interests.

IV. To carry forward the fine tradition of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and vigorously build harmonious embassies

Your embassies are far away from the motherland and you ambassadors, as the heads of the embassies, should strive to create a favorable atmosphere in the embassies. On one hand, you should adhere to the principle of democratic centralism and strengthen leadership and team building of the embassies. You should find resources, improve efficiencies and create synergies through scientific management and cultivate a high-quality diplomatic team. On the other hand, you should provide embassy staff with favorable and comfortable working and living environment and help them solve the difficulties and problems they encountered with their work, life, study and family. You should make great efforts to build enterprising, credible, amicable, vigorous and harmonious embassies.

Ambassadors, "An educated gentleman cannot but be resolute and broad-minded, for he has taken up a heavy responsibility and a long course." I hope you will keep in mind the great trust placed on you and the oath you have taken and fulfill the tasks entrusted by the party and people with your dedication and hard work.

Just now, I talked about my expectations for you ambassadors. I’d also like to take this opportunity to say a few words to your family members. The nature of diplomatic work requires many of our diplomats to work abroad for years. The conditions in some places are very tough. Among the newly appointed 9 ambassadors, some comrades have worked in the ministry for 32 years, among which they worked abroad as long as 25 years; some comrades worked in war-torn countries for several years. I know it’s not easy. As the families of diplomatic staff, you are their strong backing. Though behind the scene, you are respectable for your devotion and sacrifice. I would like to once again express our highest respect for you and most sincere thanks to you. We have to work harder to solve your problems. I hope and believe that you will, as always, support your family and support the motherland's diplomatic cause.

Today we also have more than 100 representatives from the general public, who are invited by the ministry to attend the Open Day, with us to witness the office swearing-in ceremony of our diplomatic envoys. Your presence makes the ceremony especially significant for your presence will let the incoming envoys feel more of the great trust the motherland and the people place on them.

China's diplomacy is people's diplomacy. It should serve the entire Chinese people. 2008 is an extraordinary year for our country and our diplomacy. In the face of complex and volatile situation, under the correct leadership of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, and with the strong support of the people, China's diplomacy achieved remarkable results despite all the hardships. Holding high the banner of peace, cooperation and development, we conducted the diplomatic work in an all-round manner, firmly defended national sovereignty, unity and dignity, strengthened friendly exchanges and cooperation with other countries, and dedicated ourselves to promoting world peace and development. Upholding the philosophy of "putting people first and governing for the people", we took active actions to handle foreign affairs related to the fight against natural disasters. We carried forward the concept of "One World, One Dream" and made every effort to realize “Two Games, Equal Splendor”. Our efforts won high praise from various parties. We will soon hold the Seventh Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM 7), the leaders of China will have a series of important foreign affairs activities at the end of this year. This year marks the 30th anniversary of reform and opening-up and next year is the 60th anniversary of the founding of the PRC. I believe that under the correct leadership of the Party Central Committee and the State Council and with the strong support of the Chinese people, China's diplomacy will make even greater achievements and make greater contributions to creating better external environment for the building of a moderately prosperous society in an all-round manner and promoting world peace and development.

Diplomats are from the people. People will always be the cornerstone and strong backing of our diplomatic work. In the resolute struggle against separatist forces, in the hard fight against natural disasters, and in the process of realizing our century-old dream of hosting the Olympic Games, the Chinese people showed outstanding spirits of solidarity, perseverance, and diligence. China has built up a good international image of peace, justice, and progress and has greatly enhanced the understanding and friendship between the Chinese people and the people around the world.

The spirit of the Chinese nation and the strength of the Chinese people are always the source of diplomatic wisdom and the driving force of China’s diplomacy. All the comrades in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are determined to make new and greater contributions to the motherland's modernization drive, to the well-being of the people, and to the building of a harmonious world with lasting peace and common prosperity.

We are looking forward to your continuous interest and support to China’s diplomacy and your valuable comments and suggestions on our work.

I wish you success, good health, and happy family.

Thank you.