Under-Secretary-General Tegegnework Gettu,

High Representative for Alliance of Civilizations Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser,

Assistant-Secretary-General Kim Won-soo,

Dear Colleagues,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you for joining us in today’s event to inaugurate this beautiful lounge and unveil two marvelous paintings.

Answering the call of the United Nations, the Chinese Government funded the renovation of this East Foyer of the General Assembly Building in 2011 in support of UN’s Capital Master Plan. The close cooperation between China and the United Nations has resulted in a brand new foyer featuring fine Chinese culture and blending perfectly with the surrounding environment. This special gift from the Chinese government carries the profound friendship of the 1.3 billion Chinese people towards the United Nations and reflects China’s long-standing support for UN’s work. It stands as another symbol of China-UN cooperation.

Over 1,000 year ago, a Chinese poet said poems and books give a person natural grace. This line became famous as a description of the importance of cultural attainment to the qualities of a person. Its meaning gradually evolved to describe the defining effect of art works in interior decoration. To combine the charm and richness of Chinese culture, international aesthetics and the values of the United Nations, Chinese artist Professor Wang Linxu was invited to dedicate two paintings to the lounge. Professor Wang is highly respected for his transcendental imagery art. A three-year creative process culminated in the two paintings entitled the Home of Us All and the Interactive World, which we are unveiling today. These two pieces encapsulate Professor Wang’s decades of innovation on oriental and western painting techniques and articulate profound messages to the viewers. The Home of Us all calls for equity and justice in the world by using the symbolism of bamboo in the Chinese culture. The strong contrast of waves, mountains, land and clouds of war in the Interactive World points to a world to be freed from war and pollution, a world where friendship and harmony prevail. These messages rendered in powerful artistic language rest on the values of the United Nations, and resonate with China’s pursuit of a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity.

Next year, the United Nations will celebrate its 70th anniversary and the world commemorate the 70th anniversary of the victory in the anti-Fascist war. This China lounge is sure to witness many historic moments. As the most universal, most representative and most authoritative inter-governmental international organization, the United Nations carries the high expectations of all peoples and shoulders the important mission for world peace and development. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and the most populous developing country, China will remain committed to multilateralism, hold up the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and contribute to the work of the UN.

Thank you once again for coming. Let me wish you all a happy holiday season.

Thank you.