It is indeed a great pleasure, as an African, to share this auspicious occasion with you . I am both honored and humbled to be present with you here in Jiaxing in the beautiful and dynamic Zhejiang province, the hallowed origin of the Red Boat spirit and also the physical birthplace of the CPC.

The Red Boat, not only gave rise to one of the most significant and epochal events in Chinese history but strongly reflects the inspiration and symbol of China’s revolution . No wonder so many of China’s great leaders came to this , the birthplace of the CPC, urging the Chinese people to" forge valiantly ahead along the revolutionary road opened up by the Nanhu Lakes red boat “ and vowing to stay true to the Party's original aspirations and serve the people. Because under the CPC and later the creation of the People’s Republic of China, the Republic truly “belongs to the people” in keeping with the CPC’s belief :“ Don’t forget the people or you will be forgotten by the people ”.

So to us as foreigners but friends of China and its people , the Red Boat spirit lives and continues to flourish and bloom!

The Red boat sailed with the Chinese people down its revolutionary route, equipped them with a powerful spiritual force which has helped China to make remarkable progress, overcome challenges and defeat dangers and to achieve the impossible .It ensured that the Chinese people have truly become the masters of their country and have taken control of their destiny.

The Red Boat spirit and Zhejiang spirit reflect remarkable commonalities and synenergy which jointly put China on its road towards a “moderately prosperous society “ and the national rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, unified and together.

I first arrived at the Institute of Africa Studies at Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua in 2019 and immediately felt welcome in that open, friendly and liveable city where I,and all my compatriots from Africa and elsewhere,have experienced nothing but kindness,respect and goodwill from the people of this country, at all levels, at all times. We thank China and its people for that !

In fact, it impressed me greatly how Zhejiang province and my city, Jinhua , reflecting the Red Boat spirit, embraces hard work, spirited creativity, innovation and prioritizing entrepreneurship. I recently re-visited Hangzhou, as well as cities such as Yiwu, Wenzhou, and addressed a South Africa and Zhejiang Province Trade and Investment Conference in Yongkang, and it was very evident to me that the Red Boat spirit has strongly influenced the development of Zhejiang Province. Zhejiang province with its booming economy, is an economic powerhouse making daily phenomenal progress as a cradle and hub of industrial, scientific and technological innovation which augers well for the future. There is also huge potential for future economic cooperation between Zhejiang Province and Africa in fact with the rest of the world.

In fact,I wish to add that in my lengthy diplomatic career I have worked and lived, amongst others, in Germany, Great Britain, the USA and Japan and nowhere had I experienced the same phenomenal intensity and scale of economic, technological and social progress, as i have witnessed in Zhejiang Province and other parts of China,since my arrival in 2019.

The Communist Party of China will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its founding on 1 July. From the humble beginnings of its Red Boat birth, the CPC now has grown into a giant .Given the longstanding, traditional and fraternal ties between China and Africa that stretch back over many decades, the African Union and African countries will celebrate with its Chinese brothers and sisters and convey its sincere congratulations to the CPC on its remarkable achievements.

Consistent economic growth,achieved under the leadership of the CPC, has enabled it to carry out the most successful poverty-alleviation program in the history of the world. China through its huge economy, political stability and unwavering commitment to multilateralism will continue to play an ever increasing significant role in global affairs whether its economic,public health, trade, technology and innovation, climate change and peace and security. In this process China will present a formidable challenge to the West's hegemony in economics and governance will continue to defend the interests of the developing world in the process.

The CPC's achievements and the rise of China have had far-reaching implications for Africa. In fact, the rise of the CPC and China has been of immense benefit to Africa and its people. The CPC has been actively cultivating cordial relations with African countries since the 1955 Bandung Conference in Indonesia. The CPC provided material and ideological support to Africa's liberation and decolonization movements over many decades .

As the relations between China and Africa have grown from strength to strength, China has become Africa's largest trading partner, with trade between the two sides reaching $208 billion in 2019. China continues to strongly support Africa's efforts to contain the pandemic which Africa deeply appreciates. China with its successful growth path is also a potential role model and has been working with Africa to explore development models for African countries that suits their own national conditions.

Over decades the CPC has displayed a growing sense of friendship and solidarity towards the African continent. Strong links continue to be forgedbetween the CPC and African political parties and regular dialogues are being held which are welcomed by Africa.Through these inter-party exchanges the CPC and the African political parties continue to promote greater mutual understanding which adds momentum to cooperation and solidarity .

Africa knows that CPC stands ready to work jointly with African political parties to promote the building of a community with a shared future for China and Africa.

In fact, soon after my arrival in Jinhua and the Institute of Africa Studies at ZJNU,I was very happy to sense the " fraternal bonds of a shared destiny " between China and Africa which can be regarded as a major achievement and legacy of the CPC. The CPC in close consultation with Africa, was responsible for the active consolidation and promotion of China and Africa friendship and cooperation, based on China and Africa’ s similar historical experiences, its " friend in need " relationship as well its common development challenges .

My message is that Africa and China friendship, solidarity and cooperation remain stronger than ever before .It is my view that Africa and China, in fact, find themselves on the threshold of a new and exciting era of friendship and collaboration.

Nowadays, China’s development has entered a new era with increasing economic , social and security challenges which implies that China’s leadership and development are facing more arduous tasks, The world is, amongst other,facing grave economic, health and security challenges with unfortunate manifestations of weak global leadership, populism, a renewed Cold War mentality of encirclement and power and bullying politics. It will require enhanced vigilance, leadership, unity and strength of all sectors of Chinese society to address these challenges!

But as my good friend and scholar colleague,Martin Jacques, recently wrote:

“The CPC's extraordinary success is because it found a way during its 100-year history of combining a huge reforming capacity with a profound rootedness in Chinese society and culture “ and “To govern and lead a very different kind of country will require the CPC to continue its constant process of change and reinvention. The fact that it combines pragmatism with the great Chinese tradition of thinking long-term will stand it in good stead.”

I agree fully with him and I am thus of the view, based on China’s phenomenal achievements, its capacity for governance and the unity and resilience of its people, the CPC and China will remain prepared for these risks and challenges and any other unexpected developments, and will meet these challenges head-on, resolve them and give the Chinese people even a greater sense of fulfillment, happiness and security.