The Third Spring of Diplomats

    Held on 14 May 2004 in the Great Wall Hotel of Beijing,the third Spring of Diplomats was graced with the presence of over 400 guests including Wang Wenyuan,former vice-president of CPPCC,Foreign Minister Li Zhao-xing,Assistant Minister Li Jinzhang,leading members of the ministry’s departments and bureaus concerned,
advisors,council and ordinary member of the AFDC,Chinese entrepreneurs and foreign envoys to China,of whom 82 were foreign ambassadors and charge-de-affairs to China and 11 representatives of international organizations resident in Beijing.
    In the brightly-lit banquet hall of the hotel,Chinese and foreign diplomats gathered together to renew their friendship in high spirits.In his speech,Cai Fangbai,new chairman of the Association,said that the purpose of the Association was to“promote contacts,exchange of ideas,friendship and cooperation” and that retirees as they were,members of the Association would do their bit by making use of the collective edge of the Association and their individual advantage to promote mutual understanding and friendship between the people of China and other countries across the world.He pointed out that Spring of Diplomats meant the brilliance of spring would always accompany us.
    On behalf of the dean and the diplomatic corps in Beijing,Russian Ambassador Rogachev delivered an en-thusiastic speech at this evening party.He spoke highly of China’s growing standing on the international arena,
expressed deep admiration for the rapid development of China’s diplomatic cause and professional dedication of Chinese diplomats and believed the social activity Spring of Diplomats would surely make contributions to enh-ancing mutual understanding, seeking peace and benefiting the people.
    In his speech,Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing gave an indepth explanation of implication of Spring of Diplo-mats.He said this social activity was full of significance and wellnamed,which meant we hoped spring would remain“spring of peace”and“spring of friendship”.The impromptu speech he delivered in English and French was both enthusiastic and profound,thus winning a standing ovation.
    While tasting delicious food of the hotel at the evening party,the Chinese and foreign diplomats watched and listened to singing and dancing featuring Chinese and foreign customs as well as Chinese folk music and acrobatics.The Association of Female Painters of Beijing presented a Chinese painting-their collective creation to the AFDC and Foundation of Former Students Studying in Europe and America,one of the Cosponsor of this activity.The excellent performance and wonderful painting filled the evening party with warm friendship and joyful atmosphere.