Vice Premier Li Lanqing, Minister of the State Education Commission, Mr. Zhu Kaixuan, President Wu Shuqing, University Officials, faculty and guests,

First of all, I would like to offer my heartiest congratulations on the foundation stone laying ceremony for a new library wing for Peking University. I am very honoured to attend this ceremony today and to have the opportunity to say a few words. This is my third visit to Peking University, and I am very pleased to see that the University has made tremendous progress over the years.

Since its establishment, the University has acted in a leadership role in China's academic circles, and has maintained this important position for a century. At the same time, the University has also built an international reputation of which the people of this country can be justly proud. I deeply admire academic institutions that possess this ability to lead and to nurture the best young minds. I remember in the fall of 1978, I returned to China with a team of delegates for the first time following China's liberation. My fellow delegates were surprised when I specifically asked to visit this famous institution of higher learning. My deepest impression that day was seeing so many students buried in their studies in the sparsely equipped library. Overshadowing their tireless diligence was an indomitable determinism to contribute their knowledge to the country and their people. I was deeply moved.

On my second visit here I received an Honorary Doctorate degree from the University, which was one of my life's greatest honours. Today marks my third visit, and I am even more excited because soon we will be able to see a modern, well-equipped library built for the 21st century. Students and teachers alike will be able to receive the support they need to improve both learning and teaching.

Education is the basis for improving the quality of a people. As a top university in China with a highly efficient management, academically superior teachers and hard-working students, I believe that for every bit of effort invested, Peking University will reap a ten-fold benefit in results. I hope that my small contribution can encourage people of Chinese descent everywhere to show their concern for the development of education in China, and to give their support to Peking University so that it may continue to grow from strength to strength.

I would like to express my highest regard for Vice Premier Mr. Li Lanqing, the State Education Commission, President Wu, the Secretary, and all the officials and faculty of the University who have all been supporting and promoting the development of Peking University. Thank you very much.

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