On July 15th, 2015, H. E. Mr. Wei Ruixing, Chinese Ambassador to Lithuania, hosted a Thank-You Reception to Celebrate the Successful Visit to Lithuania by Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli.

At the reception, Ambassador Wei made the following remarks:

Amb. Jonas Paslauskas,

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs

Amb. Ina Marciulionyte,

Director General of the Department of Latin America, Africa, Asia and Pacific, Ministry of Foreign Affairs,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I feel so pleased that you could make yourselves available to join me at this Thank-You Reception. I am greatly honored by your presence this evening.

Three weeks ago, at the invitation of Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevicius, Vice Premier of China Mr. Zhang Gaoli paid an official visit to the Republic of Lithuania. Thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, Vice Premier Zhang's three-day visit to Lithuania concluded with complete success as had been expected. During the visit, Vice Premier Zhang held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Butkevicius and met with H. E. President Dalia Grybauskaitė respectively. The leaders had in-depth exchange of views on further developing the bilateral relations between our two countries for the benefits of our two peoples, as well as on strengthening China-EU relations, China and Central and Eastern European Countries Cooperation and on international and regional issues of common interest, and reached important consensus.

Vice Premier Zhang's visit to Lithuania, which was the highest-level visit by the Chinese leaders during the past few years, is of great significance in the bilateral relations between our two countries. It is my belief that this visit has consolidated our mutual political trust and enhanced our mutual understanding, and will give an impetus to our mutually beneficial cooperation in all fields in the years to come.

On behalf of the entire staff of my Mission, I wish to express my deep appreciation and sincere thanks to each and every one of you present tonight for everything that you have done to ensure the success of Vice Premier Zhang's visit. My special thanks should first and foremost go to the Office of the Prime Minister, Amb. Paslauskas and his capable team in particular. My heartfelt thanks should also go to the Office of the President, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the State and Diplomatic Protocol Department and the Department of Latin America, Africa, Asia and Pacific in particular, Ministry of Interior, VIP Protection Department in particular, Vilnius International Airport authorities, Kempinski Hotel and other relevant government departments and agencies. My sincere thanks should go to my friends from the Chinese enterprises in Lithuania and from the Confucius Institute of Vilnius University who made all sacrifices to help us. Last but not least, my thanks should go to my entire staff, without whom it is impossible for me to have my job done smoothly.

Ladies and Gentlemen: It is a little more than three months since I took my office here in this great country. During the past three months, I have been so fortunate to have got your full support and needed assistance in discharging my responsibilities, which is really great encouragement to me. I wish to avail myself of this opportunity to express my deep appreciation and sincere thanks to each and every one of you, and look forward to your continuous support and assistance during the rest of my tenure of office here in Vilnius.

Once again, thank you very much for your great efforts in ensuring the success of Vice Premier Zhang's visit and for your kind presence tonight. I sincerely wish all of you a relaxed and enjoyable evening.