President Hu Jintao, Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf, and Queen Silvia Waved at the People Attending the Ceremony for the Return of the Replica of "Gotheborg"

Chinese President Hu Jintao and Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf attended the grand ceremony for the return of the replica of the Swedish merchant ship Gotheborg on June 9, 2007.

The beautiful music filled the air of the pier in the south of open port in Gothenburg, where a large crowd of people and a massive number of sailing ships gathered. Today, the replica of Gotheborg arrived in Gothenburg from China along the ancient sea route. This is special commemoration to the over-3-century-long friendly exchanges between the Chinese and Swedish people.

At around 13: 40 local time, President Hu and his wife Liu Yongqing, accompanied by King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia arrived at the pier in the south of the open port by ship. The Gotheborg, which just arrived, fired a 21-shot salute to pay tribute to the distinguished guests from China. President Hu and King Gustaf went up to the replica ship and waved at the people coming to witness the ceremony.

On board the ship, Hu shook hands with Peter Kaalings, captain of Gotheborg and exchanged greetings. President visited the full-scale replica of an 18th-century merchant ship in the company of the captain, who also invited President Hu and King Gustaf to sign their names on the board of the cabin.

Chinese President Hu Jintao, accompanied by Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf, Steers Gotheborg

The heads of state and other guests climbed up to the top deck. King Gustaf delivered a speech in the first place. He said that the return of Gotheborg to the hometown is a symbol of the lasting historical relationship between Sweden and China. China has become the most important trading partner of Sweden in China and there are more opportunities for cooperation between the two countries. Gotheborg is a proof of the expertise and entrepreneurship of Sweden and a symbol of the friendly historical relationship between China and Sweden and the exciting future of bilateral ties.

Hu said in his address, "It is a great pleasure for me to bring the warm greetings and best wishes of the Chinese people here and witness this historic moment in the long course of bilateral friendly relationship."

Hu pointed out that although being far away from each other, the friendly exchanges between the people are ever lasting and the people have profound and amicable sentiments for each other. Last year, Gotheborg set sail on a voyage to China along the ancient maritime Silk Road. Today, loaded with the friendship and greetings of the Chinese people, it returned to the harbour of Gothenburg. Gotheborg travelled across more than half of the globe and built up a new bridge of friendship between the people and a new platform for the exchange and cooperation in areas such as economy, trade and culture. It has successfully completed its glorious mission of spreading friendship.

Hu pointed out that the relationship between China and Sweden is developing with a sound momentum, with expanded exchange and cooperation in a wide range of areas, such as politics, economy, trade, science, technology, culture, education and environmental protection. The people have obtained tangible benefits from it. The Chinese government and people cherish the relationship with Sweden and the friendship with the Swedish people and always view the bilateral relationship with Sweden from a strategic and long-term perspective. China is willing to work together with Sweden to enhance mutual political trust, expand cooperation in concrete areas, advance bilateral relationship to a new level, and make the people of the two countries good friends and partners for generations to come.

Hu believed that with the stimulus of Gotheborg and with the concerted efforts of the people, the tree of China-Sweden friendship would bear more fruits.

State Councillor Tang Jiaxuan was also present at the ceremony.

Gotheborg was a famous Swedish merchant ship and arrived in Guangzhou 3 times in the 18th century. In October 2005, the replica of Gotheborg set sail for China along the ancient sea route and arrived in Guangzhou in July 2006. King Carl XVI Gustaf visited Guangzhou for the welcome ceremony for the arrival of Gotheborg.

Chinese President Hu Jintao Visits the Truck Assembly Line in Volvo Facilities.

On the same day, President Hu, accompanied by King Gustaf, also visited Volvo, a famous company of Sweden.