Your Respectable Mr. Ang Swee Chuan, Deputy President of Brunei-China Friendship Association,

Distinguished guests, Dear friends, Ladies and gentlemen,

Selamat Pagi! 上午好!

It is my great pleasure to address this Commemoration of the 600th Anniversary of Visit to China by Boni Maharaja Karna and the Final of "China-Brunei Friendly Relations" Knowledge Contest, which is co-organized by the Chinese Embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan and the Brunei-China Friendship Association. We are also grateful for the valuable support extended by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Brunei Darussalam, the Ministry of Education of Brunei Darussalam, Brunei History Centre and Chung Hwa Middle School.

China and Brunei Darussalam are good neighbors and close friends sharing the same ocean. Friendly exchanges between the two nations have a long history dating back over 2,000 years ago. As early as China's Western Han Dynasty, the two countries have already exchanged trade in goods. In China's Tang Dynasty, official exchanges between the governments of the two countries started. With the advancement of navigation technology in China's Song and Yuan Dynasties, exchanges of envoys and commercial ships became more frequent between the two countries.

In 1408 of China's Ming Dynasty, Maharaja Karna visited China with a delegation of 150 people including his wife, brothers, sons and entourage. When the delegation arrived in China's Fujian Province, Chinese Emperor Chengzu immediately sent officials to greet them and ordered that wherever the delegation arrived a banquet should be hosted. After a long journey of friendship and feasts, the delegation finally arrived in Nanjing, capital of the Ming Dynasty, and was warmly welcomed by Emperor Chengzu. Unfortunately, Maharaja Karna fell ill in Nanjing, where the Emperor ordered his imperial doctors to well treat and take good care of him. Maharaja Karna was very grateful and told his wife that the Bruneian people should never forget China's kindness and the China-Brunei friendship should be handed down from generation to generation. Later he demised and was buried in Nanjing according to his will. Ever since, his mausoleum has been constantly repaired and well maintained. Just beside the mausoleum, the Chinese Government built the China-Brunei Friendship Hall in 2006, which was inaugurated by Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna. Now, the mausoleum and the hall have become famous tourist attractions in Nanjing and are standing as testimony of China-Brunei traditional friendship.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

When we review the ancient China's external relations, I believe everyone can feel the word "friendship" is always highlighted. Ever in its history, China has never imposed itself on other countries or even sought to colonize them. The reason is that harmonious coexistence and friendly communication with neighbors have been cherished in traditional Chinese philosophy. Now, the world is witnessing a new round of such friendly communication, that is the Beijing Olympic Games. Just yesterday evening, the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics was held splendidly and successfully. His Majesty is now in Beijing, warmly received by the Chinese Government and people. We are fully confident that China will be able to make the Beijing Games a bridge for friendship and communication between different countries and peoples. We also believe that His Majesty's visit will further promote the traditional friendship between China and Brunei Darussalam.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we have noted in recent years, His Majesty's Government attaches great importance to the education of youth and the development of youth cause. I remember one of His Majesty's Titahs: "Youth, wherever they are, are valuable assets that are the pride of a nation. They are a group of people who are capable of shaping the future and continuing the pursuit of the national goal." Bearing this in mind, we have designed this Knowledge Contest with a special emphasis on the Bruneian history.

We believe that only by mastering their country's past can the Bruneian youth cherish the present and envisage a better future. Today, I am very delighted to see that all the contestants have a sound mastery of the Brunei history among such a variety of knowledge. I was deeply impressed by and would like to congratulate on their wonderful performance. The Chinese Embassy will continue with its contribution to the youth development of Brunei Darussalam in the years to come.

Terima kasih! 谢谢!