Consul General Zhao Weiping's Remarks

at the  Dinner

 Hosted by Chinese Association of Iowa

Feb. 25, Des Moines, Iowa 

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

      It is indeed a great pleasure and privilege for my colleagues and my self to be with you this evening at the dinner hosted by the Chinese Association of Iowa.  

      I wish to express my sincere thanks to all of you for your warm reception.  

      Also, on behalf of the Chinese Consulate in Chicago, I wish to extend my warm greetings and best wishes to you and, through you, to all my Chinese compatriots in Iowa.  

      The Chinese Association of Iowa is the most influential organization of the Chinese community in Iowa. The Association's expansion since its establishment 26 years ago is a good testimony to the rapid growth of the Chinese community in Iowa. The rising number of its non-Chinese membership has also demonstrated to us the deep integration between the local Chinese community and the mainstream society as well as the harmonious relations they enjoyed. 

      On this occasion, I wish to extend my warmest congratulations to all my Chinese compatriots in Iowa on their professional achievements. I also want to express my compliments to the Chinese Association of Iowa for their service to the local Chinese community and for its important role in promoting exchanges and cooperation between China and Iowa, especially for its important contribution to the success of the visit to Iowa by Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping last year. 

       In particular, I wish to thank the State and Municipal governments as well as friends from all walks of life in Iowa for their support to the Chinese community here. 

      Vice President's historical visit to Iowa last year was a milestone in the relations between China and Iowa and has opened up very promising future for friendly exchanges and cooperation between us. I was also greatly encouraged by the passion among the government leaders and the public in Iowa for expanding cooperation with China. 

      Iowa is the first state which I visited outside Illinois since I assumed the office as Chinese Consul General in Chicago earlier this month. The Purpose of my visit is to reaffirm our deep commitment to expanding friendship and cooperation with Iowa, and to seek advice from the state and municipal leaders as well as friends from various circles on what we can do together to enhance our bilateral cooperation.  

      As Chinese Consul General, I look forward to keeping close touch with Iowa and provide my best service to all of you in the years to come. 

      Thank you!