Remarks by Ambassador Hong Xiaoyong At the Welcoming Reception

尊敬的总检察长黄鲁胜阁下，

尊敬的各位来宾、各位使节、各位朋友，

女士们、先生们，

　　大家晚上好，很高兴在这里与这么多的新老朋友欢聚一堂，感谢大家出席我的到任招待会。首先，我对新加坡各界朋友、驻新使节的到来表示热烈欢迎。

　　这是我时隔10年后再次回到新加坡工作。过去的40天时间让我想起了许多美好的记忆，肉骨茶、南海鸡饭、黑胡椒蟹等美味依旧，也让我看到了许多新的变化，滨海湾变大了，金沙酒店、花穹、云雾林这些新地标拔地而起。繁华的街道更加有序，城市更有活力。我也看到，新加坡在成绩面前没有自满停步，一如既往居安思危、奋发有为，在经济转型和创新发展的道路上不断展现出活力，继续追求卓越。我为出任这个美丽国家的第11任中国大使感到自豪。

Honourable Attorney-General Mr Lucien Wong, 

Distinguished Guests, Excellencies, Dear Friends,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Evening! I am truly honoured with such a big gathering of so many friends, old and new, at my reception tonight. Please allow me to extend my warm welcome to all friends from Singapore, from China, from all walks of life, as well as from diplomatic missions here in Singapore.

This is my second posting in Singapore after 10 years. As many of you may know, I arrived 40 days ago. The experience over the past 40 days has rekindled my fond memories of the lovely country, like the good old taste of Bak Kut Teh, Chicken Rice and Black Pepper Crab. 

Singapore also gives me new experiences. I have visited Marina Bay area, which has undergone huge transformation. The skyline has been changed by new landmarks like Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Gardens by the Bay. I have also have taken the opportunities to stroll along Singapore streets. What I see is a flourishing and vibrant state under good governance. Singapore has never stopped at its past achievements and always strives for excellence through economic transition and national innovation. I am proud to serve as the 11th Chinese Ambassador to this great country.