September 30, 2007

Respected MC, Mrs. Eva Flomo

Hon. Minister of Information Culture and Tourism Mr. Laurence Bropleh

Respected Ambassador Julie Andee

Distinguished guests, all protocols observed:

First of all, let me warmly welcome all of you to this cultural show to be given by the Festival Drum and Lantern Art Troupe from China's An Hui Province. The Festival Drum and Lantern is one of the numerous performing arts in China and has a history of over one thousand years.  It is a combination of dance, music and Song.  It is widely welcomed for its passionate and graceful style.

The Art Troupe is invited jointly by the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism and the Chinese Embassy.  The purpose of holding the cultural events here in Liberia is threefold.  The first is to promote cultural exchanges between our two countries and bring a little more cultural life to the Liberian people.  The second is to show China's confidence in Liberia.  Like my President's visit to Liberia early this year, this visit is also meant to show to the world as well as the Chinese business community that Liberia is a safe and nice place to go and to do business, so as to help Liberia to attract foreign investments which can generate badly needed job opportunities.  The third is to add joy to the celebration of the Chinese National Day which falls on October 1st. 

It must be new to the Monrovians to see Chinese performances, as this is the first Chinese cultural troupe that is performing in Liberia since the resumption of our diplomatic ties in 2003.  But the Liberian performing art is not new to the Chinese people at all, since quite a number of Liberian singers and dancers have been invited to perform in China in recent years.  They won tremendous popularity.  A Liberian singer by name of Emmanuel Uwechue has even become a super star in China.  I am confident that you will also enjoy the oriental performing art from China.  I hope that the Chinese artists will enjoy high popularity too when they perform in Monrovia and Buchanan.  It is our firm belief that cultural exchanges will not only add a new dimension to our bilateral bonds, but also enhance our mutual understanding and respect for each other's culture.

Finally, I wish to extend my sincere thanks to the host Ministry headed by Minister Bropleh for its strong support and meticulous preparation, to the Chinese and Liberian artists all those involved in the preparation for their valuable contributions and to the viewers for gracing this event. 

May each and every one of you enjoy a pleasant afternoon.

Thank you.