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Dateline: Bangkok, Thailand – November 14, 2009 Her
Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, After several months of dedicated collective effort, China’s writers, photographers and talented publishing personnel produced that which we are honored to present here today: The exquisite album, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s Visit to Qinghai and Tibet. We gather here for this launch ceremony in the spirit of transnational harmony, and with the intent that the profound friendship that exists between the people of China and Thailand will be represented by this album. On behalf of China International Publishing Group, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Princess for her presence today, adding that I personally hold deep respect for Her Royal Highness. I would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, and all our respected Thai friends, for their gracious attendance. And, for their support, assistance and cooperation in the publishing and distribution of the album, I will here convey our sincere appreciation to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Kingdom of Thailand, the Royal Thai Embassy in the People’s Republic of China, and the Nan Mee Company. Her Royal Highness’s arrival in China last April marked her 24th visit to the nation, and the highlight of the journey was her traversing of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau via the newly-opened Qinghai-Tibet Railway – or QTR. To record this momentous event, CIPG dispatched two senior reporters to accompany the Princess’s traveling entourage, and her journey is today vividly depicted and recorded within the pages of this album. The 1,956-kilometer QTR, now known to many as the “Road to Heaven”, is the world’s highest railway. Beginning in Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province, the railed pathway leads to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region. The line reaches its highest point at the Tanggula Mountains, at 5,072 meters. China’s scientists and railway engineers met and overcame many formidable challenges in the construction of the QTR. Just a few of the many natural hurdles: frozen soil, severe cold, lack of oxygen at high altitudes, and protecting the fragile ecological environment. On July 1, 2006, the QTR formally went into service for a trial run and the “Roof of the World” was crossed by train. In vivid words and photographs, this album depicts many of the sentiment-rich scenes that took place during the Princess’s visit to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Expressed through more than 100 wonderful images are Her Royal Highness’s profound friendship with the Chinese people, and the Chinese people’s respect and esteem for the Princess. Especially heart-warming was Her Royal Highness’s meeting with the children she sponsors and supports at Lhasa Middle School. For those present, that meeting will remain an unforgettable scene. And now that touching moment is memorialized and shared within this volume. To those who turn these pages, the album also presents the magical scenery of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, as well as the region’s fascinating history and colorful culture. The stirring images also exhibit the rapid development of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in the course of China’s modernization, and evidence the brighter future that awaits Tibet. Also intended as a token of friendship between China and Thailand, the album is symbolic of the real and ever stronger friendship that exists between our two nations. The close neighbors of China and Thailand enjoy a traditional friendship based on blood ties, and we share a similar cultural background. Since the establishment of Sino-Thai diplomatic ties 32 years ago, the two nations have demonstrated mutual understanding and trust, despite dramatic changes in international dynamics. Through close cooperation, this bilateral relationship has progressed smoothly; in a positive direction. Our two nations remain good friends, trusting neighbors, and cooperative partners. China’s press and publishing personnel stand ready to coordinate and work together with their Thai counterparts to further develop that friendship – to further benefit the people of both nations. China International Publishing Group (CIPG) is one of the largest publishing organizations in China. CIPG comprises nine book publishing houses and five periodical publishing houses. Each year three thousand varying volumes and 24 periodicals in 20 languages are published and distributed to more than 100 countries and regions. Nearly 30 websites in ten languages are operated by CIPG, and among these is www.china.org.cn, one of the best-known online mediums in the nation. The staff and management of CIPG are proud of this album. We consider it a privilege to have had the opportunity to dedicate our work to Her Royal Highness and the great good she represents. And we respectfully request that this offering of words and images will be accepted as an expression of the friendship we feel, and the sincere goodwill we hold, for the people of Thailand. In closing, I would like to express my heartfelt wish that Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, Ambassador Zhang Jiuhuan, and all our Thai friends here today will always be in good health as they look to a bright future. May the friendship between our nations remain strong forever! Thank you! -end- GenTac Enterprises, LLC Press | Tactics | Communications Copyright © 2005 - 2009 |