On January 28, 2022, Ambassador Wang Xiaolong had a phone conversation with Raelene Castle, Chief Executive of Sport New Zealand.
According to Ambassador Wang, the Olympic Games are, in many ways, much more than a sport event. It is also an opportunity for the world to come together in solidarity as a global community, and to demonstrate our common determination and resilience in the face of challenges and difficulties. This is particularly important as the international community is grappling with challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, economic and geopolitical complexities. That is why the latest addition to the Olympic motto, together, is particularly pertinent. That also explains the thinking behind the official motto for the Beijing Winter Olympic Games: “Together for a shared future”.
Ambassador Wang reassures that China is fully prepared and stands ready to deliver on its commitment to a Streamlined, Safe, and Splendid Winter Olympic Games. That is true of the hardware, including the venues and related facilities, and of the “software”, including the countermeasures against COVID-19, to ensure both the smooth running of the competition and the health and safety of the athletes. Above all, China hopes that our preparations will enable the athletes to make the best of their experience participating in the Games.
Ambassador Wang appreciates New Zealand’s support for and welcome its active participation in Beijing Winter Olympic Games. Among others, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern expressed her firm belief that Beijing Winter Olympic Games will achieve full success in her phone call with President Xi Jinping. New Zealand has also co-sponsored the Olympic Truce Resolution, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. Ambassador Wang also recalls the cooperation and exchanges between China and New Zealand, and looks forward to more potential being tapped by the two sides.
Ambassador Wang extends his best wishes to the New Zealand delegation to the Beijing Games. He hopes that Kiwi athletes will have their Olympic dreams come true, and all of them will enjoy a memorable experience in China. Ambassador Wang also reiterates that the Embassy and the two Consulates General will continue to facilitate their travel to China and their participation in the Games.
Raelene Castle commends the excellent and efficient preparations for the Beijing Winter Olympic Games and thanked China for its efforts to ensure the scheduled opening and running of the 2022 Winter Olympics. The New Zealand delegation has presently completed all preparations. The athletes are looking forward to the opening of the Winter Olympics, excited and eager to compete with fellow players from all over the world to realize their Olympic dreams. Support and assistance provided by the Chinese missions in New Zealand is quite helpful. Raelene Castle also hopes that more sports cooperation will be carried out between the two countries.