"Coming to China as an ambassador is a dream come true"

Recent photo of Benin's Ambassador to China, Simon Adowelland. Overseas network Xie Ming photo

"To be an ambassador in China is to make your dream come true." Benin's ambassador to China, Simon Adowelland, shared his feelings when he became ambassador to China in 2016 in an exclusive interview with the People's Daily Overseas Network. "On the eve of my official inauguration as ambassador to China, I watched the opening ceremony of the G20 Hangzhou Summit on TV." Adowelland recalls, "I was amazed by the beautiful performance at the opening ceremony and I wanted to come to the country and see it. Two months later, I received my appointment to China. ”

In the five years of his stay in China, Adowelland's "love at first sight" for west Lake has gradually deepened into a "comprehensive appreciation" of China. In his view, China's development experience is worth learning from the vast number of developing countries, including Benin, and he looks forward to the further deepening of Relations between Bangladesh and China.

Document China today with a lens

Adowelland is a photography enthusiast who has taken many photographs in China. He loves to record moments with his camera and every step of his journey through China. Among the photos shared by the ambassador in the WeChat circle of friends, there are the Xiongqi of Taishan Eighteen Plates, the island style of Danzhou Botanical Garden and the variety of Stone Forest in Yunnan, as well as the busy figure of tea farmers in Guangdong Yingde Tea Garden, the thumbs up of the craftsmen in Zhejiang Zouyuan Village and the happy smiles of urumqi street citizens. In his shots, the land of China is full of vitality and vitality.

In Adowelland's view, China's ability to achieve leapfrog development is inseparable from the correct leadership of the Communist Party of China. In the first half of this year, Adowelland embarked on a "red journey" to visit Jinggangshan, Jiaxing, Linzhou, Chongqing and other places to gain an in-depth understanding of local history. In Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, the Red Boat on the South Lake made Adowelland feel the spiritual strength of the founder of the Chinese Communist Party. In Jinggangshan, Jiangxi, the history of the development of the old revolutionary area allowed Addoverland to see the inheritance of the chinese communist party's spirit of hard struggle. "Everyone of our generation has studied the history of the Chinese revolution." Addoverland said, "Coming to Jinggangshan means a lot to me. ”

It is precisely because generations of Chinese Communists have continuously continued the red blood and inherited the spirit of their predecessors, and have promoted China to win one victory after another in the journey of construction and development. "Not long ago, I went to Guizhou and saw the great efforts made by the Communist Party of China and the local people to defeat poverty." What impressed Adoveland was that after the victory in poverty alleviation, the Communist Party of China and the Chinese people did not stop there, and the rural revitalization work was immediately launched, "China's poverty reduction experience has important reference significance for Benin." ”

Addoverand said that the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China is an important historical node, not only showing the past of the Chinese Communist Party, but also foreshadowing the bright future of the party.

"China's vaccine response is enthusiastic"

In the face of the complex situation of the world economy and global problems, no country can be left alone. Addoverand said that China's concept of a community with a shared future for mankind has been highly praised in Benin, especially in the context of the new crown pneumonia epidemic, China's adherence to multilateralism is particularly precious.

Since the emergence of the epidemic, the Chinese government and all sectors of society have donated epidemic prevention materials to Benin in batches, which has provided great assistance for Benin's epidemic prevention work. Not long ago, Chinese vaccines aided by China and procured by the Beibei government arrived in Benin, adding warmth to the anti-epidemic cooperation between the two countries. Adowelland, who was witnessing this historic moment at the scene at the time, said emotionally: "It was an unforgettable moment! We have been looking forward to the arrival of the NEW CROWN vaccine, and when the Chinese vaccine landed, the desire of the people of Benin to be vaccinated was finally realized. ”

Adowelland said: "The Response to the Chinese Vaccine was enthusiastic, welcomed by all sectors of Beninese society, including businessmen and students, and people were very happy because they had always wanted to get the Chinese vaccine and gave very positive feedback after vaccination. He also specifically mentioned the Chinese government's "Spring Seedling Action" to vaccinate Chinese citizens overseas against COVID-19. He said the action was supported by benin's Ministry of Health, "I have many Chinese friends in Benin who have been vaccinated against China." The Chinese vaccine brings everyone together and truly embodies the spirit of a community with a shared future for mankind. ”

Adowelland believes that China's vaccine benefits many countries, reflecting China's responsibility as a responsible major country. He clearly remembers that at the China-Africa Solidarity and Anti-Epidemic Special Summit in June 2020, China solemnly promised that after the development of the NEW CROWN vaccine was completed and put into use, it would take the lead in benefiting African countries. Adowelland said: "China has fulfilled its promise with practical actions, and at the same time, it has also helped global anti-epidemic cooperation. Covid-19 is a global challenge. China has provided very important solutions for the international community. ”

"'Made in China' reliable quality"

Adowelland introduced that under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, China has provided strong support for Benin's economic and social development. In Benin, you can not only see a large number of Chinese government-aided projects such as the Friendship Stadium, the Conference Building, the Office Building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Akasato-Bohicon Highway, but also find that Chinese brands such as Huawei have entered thousands of households in Benin. "'Made in China' is of reliable quality and very much in line with the needs of beninese users. Many Chinese-made daily necessities are well received by Beninese consumers and are used by almost every household. Addoverland said he looked forward to bringing more Chinese products, such as new energy vehicles, into the Benin market.

Addoverland attaches particular importance to promoting the communication between the two countries. In 1988, Africa's first Chinese cultural center was located in Cotonou, the capital of Benin. "The Chinese Cultural Center often holds various activities to promote cultural exchanges between the two sides, and has become a bridge connecting the Chinese." Adowelland said Chinese cultural elements such as Chinese painting, Chinese dance and acrobatics were popular in Benin.

Adowelland also stressed the importance of promoting exchanges between young people in the two countries. He believes that Beizhong should carry out more projects for the future generation. On the one hand, Addoverland hopes to deepen educational cooperation between the two countries. He said young people in Benin have a lot of interest in learning culture and technology in China, "We expect the number of Students from Benin in China to continue to grow." On the other hand, Adowelland also looks forward to more exchanges between Bay and China in areas such as information technology, "young people represent prospects and hopes, which can bring more vitality and possibilities to the relations between the two countries." ”

Adowelland also sent his blessings to the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics, and he has been paying close attention to the preparations for the Winter Olympics, believing that the design style and concept of the Beijing Winter Olympics are very different from previous ones. "The venues and venues of the Beijing Winter Olympics are not only spectacular, but also harmonious with the local environment. I am especially looking forward to watching the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics, because the opening ceremony in China is always very amazing. ”

People's Daily Overseas Edition ( 2021-09-27 Edition 08)

【Original title】 "Coming to China as an Ambassador Is a Dream Come True" (I am an Ambassador in China)

Column Editor-in-Chief: Gu Wanquan Text Editor: Song Yanlin Caption Source: Xinhua News Agency Photo Editor: Yong Kai

Source: Author: Overseas Network