It gives me great pleasure to be here today. First of all, on behalf of the Chinese embassy, I would like to warmly welcome Peace Ark to Dominica. 

Peace Ark is a standardized medical platform designed and built by China. Since it was commissioned in 2008, Peace Ark has undertaken medical service missions in 37 countries compassing 3 oceans and 6 continents and provided medical service to over 18 thousand person-times. In the year of its 10th anniversary, Peace Ark traveled across the world and finally arrived in Dominica.

This ship is an "Ark of Life". It provides humanitarian assistance and meets the urgent needs of people in developing countries. In the coming days, cutting-edge medical service will be provided and benefit more than 4000 local patients. This ship is an "Ark of Friendship". It brings good wills and best wishes from China. Through this visit, friendship and mutual understandings between our two people will be enhanced. This ship is an "Ark of Peace". It demonstrates China's pursuit of peaceful development, harmonious world and common prosperity. As the biggest developing country in the world which was once invaded and colonized by imperialist countries, it is China's solemn commitment to safeguard the rights and interests of developing countries and help our friends, such as Dominica, to develop better.

Meanwhile, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to H.E. President Savarin, Hon. Prime Minister, Hon. Madam Speaker as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of National Security, Ministry of Health, the Customs, the Port, the Government Band and other departments. In the past two months, the Dominican government made tremendous efforts preparing for this visit. With your precious support, I believe the visit of Peace Ark will be successful and we will have more visits like this in the future.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Achievements in all areas have proven that enhancing the friendship between our two countries is in line with the common interests of our two peoples. In the past year after Hurricane Maria, I am happy to see that all China Aid projects are making steady progress and contributing to the recovery of Dominica. The visit of Peace Ark could also be regarded as a warming-up celebration of the 40th anniversary of independence of Dominica. It once again confirms that Chinese government will do its best to support the social and economic development of Dominica, especially in the period of post-hurricane reconstruction. I firmly believe that, under the leadership of Hon. Prime Minister, the brave and resilient Dominican people will build the country back and build the country better.

At the end of my remarks, I would like to express my best wishes to a successful visit of Peace Ark, to the health of everyone and to the long-last vitality of China-Dominica friendship.

Thank you very much.