Friends of the Belt & Road Celebrate CNY“一带一路朋友圈”共贺新春

Are you constantly checking your Wechat moments to see what your friends are up to? Perhaps you should add a couple of new friends and become part of the “Belt and Road” circle! But what does the Belt and Road initiative have to do with Wechat moments? 

President Xi first introduced the Belt and Road initiative to the world 3 years ago, and since then, more than 100 countries and international organizations have shown their full support, and over 40 countries and organizations have signed concrete agreements with China. This circle of friends is continuously growing, and therefore deserves its own ‘moments’ wall! 

Of course, as with any circle of friends, gathering together to discuss and exchange ideas amongst one another is always important. That’s why Guangdong Radio and Television decided to host a Chinese New Year celebration party entitled ‘Friends of the Belt and Road,’ inviting representatives from 30  consulates in Guangzhou, chambers of commerce, guests of GRT radio programs and sponsors. Leaders from the Foreign Affairs office and the Information office were also in attendance, to join in on the festivities with guests. 

Vice President of Guangdong Radio and Television welcomes guests

 As a highlight of the event, the ‘Photographic Moments: CG Snaps’ photographic exhibition was unveiled, featuring photographs supplied by 17 consul generals and consuls in Guangzhou, displaying the beauty of Guangdong province through the eyes of these distinguished diplomats. Take a look at the following photos to see how excited our distinguished guests were to see their photographs framed and on display. GRT also gave out awards to all those who provided the photographs.

The event truly was a lively affair! Whilst appreciating the exhibition, guests were able to enjoy wine, New Year snacks, take selfies and some even got lucky, winning great prizes and red packets. 

     It wouldn’t be a ‘Friends of the Belt and Road’ Wechat moments wall without ‘likes’ and ‘comments.’

Let’s take a look at what the Belt and Road friends had to say… 

Royal Thai Consul General

Vasin Ruangprateepsaeng

“

Although I don’t often take photos, after I found out about this event I decided to actively participate. I took a couple of these photos a few days ago especially for this event. My favourite is the one of the Chigang Pagoda, I realized that Guangzhou has many pagodas like this. This photo was taken while I was taking a stroll near the consulate.

The One Belt One Road initiative is very good indeed, especially China’s foreign policies, enhancing ties with countries along the Maritime Silk Road, I think it is very fitting. Thailand is one of those countries and the Thai people fully support this initiative. This initiative will bring many benefits to countries around the world, especially ASEAN members.

Peruvian Consul General

David Guillermo Gamarra

“

I am very astonished after coming here, I didn't know that it was going to be so nice. Seems to be true for so many consuls, including me, I'm happy here now.

 It's a very interesting initiative, because it's linking historical experiences, but also expecting the future, so that's very interesting, let's see how it works, I think it's working well. I think we will see great benefits from it.

Ecuadorian Consul General

Erika Mariella Molina Rodriguez

“

I would like to thank very much, first of all Guangdong Radio and Television for this opportunity, the exhibition of all our photos, gives us very good memories back in time of all the good times we have had here in Guangdong province. My favorite picture is this one, I love flowers, and this is the icon of Ecuador. This is a wall of 5000 fresh roses, it was set here in Grandview Mall, and it was celebrating Chinese Valentine’s Day. We received a lot of Chinese, they liked it and took so many photos in front of the wall, it was very nice.

 China's "initiative" is not only involving the countries here in Asia, but also involving the countries from Latin America. Even though Ecuador is far away from here, there are many countries in the whole of Asia, Africa, Europe and that's very connective. Right now, no matter the distance, it matters how connected we are. And globalization is a very important thing, involving everybody.

Greek Consul General

Grigorios Tassiopoulos

“

 I like the pictures taken in Kaiping, I also like the water of Zhaoqing, so this picture is my favorite. I like both architecture, tradition and nature, and Guangdong has a lot of beautiful landscapes, and so much Lingnan architecture.

 I think it's a good idea, people, foreigners and consul generals were all here, and walking around here can show how they see China through their own eyes, it's a great idea. It's a great pleasure and a great happiness, I hope you continue to set up this kind of event for every Chinese New year.

 I think it's a very great initiative, because this connects people, connects citizens, connects economics ,bring us together in a peaceful and a very constructive way.

Norwegian Consul General

Espen Rikter-Svendsen

“

I remembered that we're approaching the spring festival, I see all the red colors and I know the festival is coming. I see a lot of beautiful photos here and met a lot of interesting people. Some of my photos were taken from Ersha island, Yi Delu. And of the people in Li Wan.

Turkish Consul General

Batu Kesmen

“

It's great, it's truly my first experience in such kind of a good setting, it's the first time for me to join this kind of event and it's very good to have pictures from several parts of Guangdong and Guangzhou. So I'm very happy that I also have pictures, at this place today, it's a great pleasure, and taking this opportunity I wish all the very best to each and every Guangdong citizen, and of course each and every Chinese citizen, happy new year of the rooster.

This is one of the most strategic projects of China, but not just for China, but also for other countries, which are located in along the "One Belt And One Road", and Turkey is one of the most important countries on the route. Turkey is located between Europe and Asia, that's why we have a special place and location. And we believe (because of) the geographical location, Turkey will bring many contributions for the "One Belt And One Road" project and initiative.

Belgium Consul General

Joris Salden

“

I think I will be interested in the initiative of commercial cultural change between different people, so definitely it’s a great initiative.

Laos Vice Consul

Soubanh

“

Laos is an ASEAN member, and a neighbor to China, our government fully supports the One Belt One Road initiative. In recent years, along with Laos supporting President Xi’s initiative, we have seen cooperation between our countries grow, including the construction of a rail network between the two countries, connecting Kunming with Vientiane. Laos is a landlocked country; therefore our government is very active in promoting the construction of rail links, making Laos a hub for transport amongst ASEAN nations, in devotion to the support of unimpeded trade links.

  Of course, the ‘Belt and Road’ circle of friends is an inclusive one, and we were very happy to see mates from countries outside of the Belt and Road initiative also joining in on the event. As President Xi emphasized when first introducing the initiative, the Belt and Road idea is an open one, and anyone interested in joining this ‘circle of friends’ can. 

  In 2017, GRT Radio will continue to work hard to expand this circle and we hope that you will join it with us! As our Vice President of GRT, Mr Zeng Shaohua said, ‘Friends of the Belt and Road’ will be a reoccurring theme throughout our planning in 2017, we will set our sights abroad to bring stories of China and Guangdong to the world!’