Good morning, Prof. Suess, Dr. von Spee, Ladies and Gentlemen,
　　Just now, the Sino-German Cooperative Agreement of SiGer Project and the R/V SONNE charter party were respectively signed between Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, CGS, China and Leibniz Institute for Marine Science and RF Company, Germany. Here, please allow me, on behalf of China Geological Survey to extend the congratulations. Also I would like to thank Leibniz Institute for Marine Science, RF Company, Prof. Suess and Dr. von Spee for your support and assistance to our China Geological Survey and contributions to the cooperative project.
　　The main purposes of the cooperative project is to study the cycle of methane, to constrain the characteristics of methane-emitting "cold vents" and to assess the role of potential gas hydrate deposits on the global change in the north slope of South China Sea. I know, the gas hydrate and its impacts on the global change is a very complex field with extremely useful questions and answers. The German scientists have made a great of efforts and have gained a much better insight into the research technology and understanding on the potential impact of gas hydrate on the global change. I am sure that the Chinese scientists will benefit a great deal from the cooperative project.
Well begun is half done, as we say. I am sure, this signing of the cooperative agreement and charter party will surely help enhance the understanding and friendship between China Geological Survey, Leibniz Institute for Marine Science and RF Company. Here, I would like to tell you that China Geological Survey will give a great support to this project and I am sure that the cooperative project will be successfully completed with a great deal of results. Also I sincerely and warmly welcome Prof. Suess and Dr. von Spee to come to China for guidance and conducting cooperation again.
　　In conclusion, I would like to invite you to join me a toast to the signing ceremony’s close, to the successful completion of cooperative project in advance, to the friendship between us!
　　Cheers!

From Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, CGS

Zhang Hong Tao, Deputy Director-General of China Geological Survey Made a Speech