Distinguished guests and dear friends!

  Good Evening! Today we are here to celebrate the 91st anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. First of all, please allow me to express my warm welcome and sincere appreciation to all of you for joining us together in the reception.

  August 1st is a special day, which not only is the Army day for both China and Syria, and also is the anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between our two countries. I would like to take this opportunity to extend our respect to the Syrian Arab Army, and best wishes to the friendly relationship between our two countries and armed forces.

  Since the birth on August 1st 1927, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese People's Liberation Army has made immortal historic contributions for China and Chinese people. During the war times, with their lives and blood, the PLA has made tremendous contribution to realize the national liberation and the founding of the People's Republic of China. After the founding of P. R. of China, the PLA has been safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity, building the steel Great Wall of national defense. Since the implement of the reform and opening-up policy, the PLA has been performing defense duties of Hong Kong and Macau according to law, and actively participating the military exchange and cooperation, UN Peacekeeping Operations and escort missions in the Gulf of Aden. The PLA has provided strong support for upholding the leadership of the Communist Party of China and the socialist system, safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, and safeguarding the important period of strategic opportunities for China's development.

  Currently, the PLA is striving towards the goal of building a strong military in the new era which is set out at the 19th National Congress of the CPC, which includes: by the year 2020, mechanization is basically achieved, and IT application has come a long way; by the year 2035, the modernization of our national defense and our forces is basically completed; and by the mid-21st century, our people's armed forces have been fully transformed into world-class forces.

  It needs to be emphasized that, China firmly pursue a national defense policy that is defensive in nature, and unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development. China is always promoting world peace, contributing to global development, and safeguarding the international order. China's armed forces will remain a staunch force in maintaining world peace.

  Both Syria and China have long history and splendid civilization, and people of both countries have enjoyed friendly exchanges for centuries. Since the establishment of the diplomatic relationship 62 years ago, the bilateral ties have moved forward rapidly. Since the outbreak of crisis in Syria, China has provided firmly political support and humanitarian assistance to Syria, and the bilateral relationship is developing smoothly, with substantial cooperation in all areas including military security.

  Syrian Arab Army is a heroic army with glorious history, and has made huge contribution to safeguarding national sovereignty and security, and supporting the just cause of Arabic countries. In the past 8 years, SAA has made great sacrifice and achieved great victory during the counter-terrorism operations. They have made heroic dedication for regional and international counter-terrorism war.

  China attaches high importance to the strategic status and role of Syria, and highly values the development of friendly cooperation between two countries. As an important component of bilateral relations, the practical cooperation between two armed forces will be continuously deepened, and the area of cooperation will be further expanded. The cooperation will add strong momentum to the comprehensive and deepening development of relationship between two countries, and unremitting efforts for regional and world peace, stability and development.

  After taking the office in May of this year, I have witnessed the continuous victory of SAA in Damascus Suburb, Qalamoun and the southwest of Syria. I feel rejoice for the improvement of the situation in Syria, and full of respect to the bravery Syrian armed forces and strong and kind Syrian people. I sincerely hope that Syrian people will resolve the crisis through peaceful negotiation at an early date.

  Last but not least, let us join together to wish that Syria will come back to the path of peace and development! Long live the friendship between China and Syria and two armed forces! Safe and sound to every respected friends.