Your Excellency President David Adeang,

Honorable Speaker Marcus Stephen,

Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs & Trade Lionel Aingimea,

Distinguished Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament,

Senior Colonels Peng Hailiang and Fang Jinsong,

Ladies and Gentlemen, Fellow Compatriots,

Good morning! This is really a delighting and exciting moment.

One hundred years ago, Chinese immigrants set sail from their homeland, braving the vast oceans along the Maritime Silk Road, to settle and take root in the South Pacific islands. Mr. Seeto Ahnon, the great-grandfather of President David Adeang, was among them. Today, the world’s most advanced fourteen-thousand-ton ocean-going hospital ship, the ARK SILK ROAD, setting out from China, carrying with the friendship and goodwill of the Chinese people, arrived in Nauru, and will provide a week of free medical services and community cultural exchanges. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Nauru, I extend my warm welcome to the arrival of the hospital ship, and my heartfelt thanks to all the Chinese and Nauruan colleagues who have worked tirelessly to make this possible.

This voyage marks the ARK SILK ROAD’s very first overseas mission since its commissioning, and the choice of Nauru as the first stop demonstrates the great importance that Chinese Government attaches to China–Nauru relations and to the health and wellbeing of the Nauruan people. The ARK SILK ROAD is truly a “mobile hospital,” staffed by more than 130 medical professionals and equipped with over 20 specialized departments, including cardiology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, general surgery, orthopedics, and ophthalmology, to serve thousands of patients. I also hope that after a brief rest, the medical team will devote themselves wholeheartedly to their duties, racing against time to treat every patient in need, thereby showcasing the professionalism, dedication, and spirit of Chinese medical workers.

Since the resumption of diplomatic ties more than a year ago, China–Nauru relations have flourished, with growing political trust and fruitful practical cooperation bringing tangible benefits to both peoples. Health cooperation is a key priority in our bilateral relations. China has already conducted “Bright Journey” ophthalmology programs and traditional Chinese medicine clinics in Nauru, which have been warmly received across society. This year, several Nauruan medical staff have undertaken advanced training in China, significantly enhancing their professional skills. Building on the arrival of the ARK SILK ROAD, China is ready to work with Nauru to explore institutionalized referral mechanisms, dispatch a resident medical team, and establish a permanent Traditional Chinese Medical Service center in Nauru, so as to jointly contribute to building a global community of health for all.

In conclusion, I wish the ARK SILK ROAD every success in its mission to Nauru, and may the friendship between China and Nauru continue to thrive!

Thank you.