Photo taken on Sept. 26, 2009 shows the Great Confucius Statue at Hermann Park in downtown Houston, the United States. A dedication ceremony was held Saturday at Hermann Park in downtown Houston to mark the erection of the statue in the park, jointly donated by the China's Consulate General in Houston and the local Chinese community to commemorate the 2,560th anniversary of the birth of Confucius, the ancient Chinese thinker.
 
Political leaders and government officials in southern US Metropolis of Houston on Saturday warmly welcomed China's dedication of the Great Confucius Statue, hailing the statue as a symbol of China-US friendship.

A dedication ceremony was held Saturday at Hermann Park in downtown Houston to mark the erection of the statue in the park, jointly donated by the China's Consulate General in Houston and the local Chinese community to commemorate the 2,560th anniversary of the birth of Confucius, the ancient Chinese thinker. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-US diplomatic ties.

The statue "is a reminder to Houstonians and Texans of the teachings of Confucius, whose ideals, and particularly his thoughts about man's role in society, remain as true today as they were 2,500 years ago," former US Secretary of State James Barker said in a written statement.

Liu Guangyuan, minister counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in the United States, speaks at the dedication ceremony of the Great Confucius Statue at Hermann Park in downtown Houston, the United States, Sept. 26, 2009.

"I am a firm believer that projects like this can build bridges between people as well as nations. This statue is yet another way to erect stronger and better ties between the United States and China and other East Asian countries," he said.

Noting the statue is being dedicated on the 30th anniversary of the founding of China-US ties, Baker voiced his optimism that the relationship between the two countries "will improve as much during the next 30 years as it has during the past 30 years."

"On behalf of the city of Houston, I thank you for the very generous gift of a bronze sculpture of Great Confucius to the citizens of Houston to be dedicated and placed today in the Hermann Park International Sculpture Garden," said Houston mayor Bill White at the ceremony.

"This year marks the 30th anniversary of the renewal of Sino-American relations. I can think of no more fitting time to dedicate this statue and to celebrate and honour the ongoing and steadfast relationships our city has with China and its many citizens who reside in Houston," he said.

Minnette Bosesel, the mayor's assistant for cultural affairs, welcomed the addition of the Confucius statue to the city's collection.

"Houston is fortunate to receive into the City Art Collection this beautiful sculpture created by acclaimed artist Willy Wang. The City is grateful to the Chinese Consulate and the Friends of Confucius Sculpture."

"We thank the People's Republic of China, the Friends of Confucius Sculpture committee and artist Willy Wang for the honor they have bestowed on our city through their donation of the Confucius statue," said Joe Turner, director of Parks and Recreation Department of Houston.

"We hope that visitors to the International Sculpture Garden at Herman Park will see the sculpture and be reminded of the great philosopher's words and teachings," he said

"Confucius was a thinker, philosopher, political figure and educator who taught his students and followers how to live a wholesome life and interact with others among many other notable teachings," said Texas Governor Rick Perry.

Till today, Confucius' lessons on life "resound among populations throughout the world and serve as a guide to individuals in pursuit of an ethical life," the governor said.

Over the years, the United States and China have worked to develop their relationship, fostering strong economic and trade ties and international cooperation for mutual prosperity, said Perry, noting that in the decades to come, the ties "will continue to be the world's most significant" as the two nations continue to collaborate towards common goals.

Earlier, former US President George Bush said in a written statement that "the statue is a truly wonderful gift to the city of Houston from the people of China, and we are grateful for this expression of friendship."

"China-US relations are vitally important, and the more we know about the history of China, the better it is for my country," said Bush, who also agreed to serve as the honorary chairman of the dedication ceremony of the Confucius statue.

Confucius, who lived from 551 BC to 479 BC, has been regarded as the most famous and prominent ancient Chinese educator, thinker and philosopher, and founder of the Ru School of Chinese thought.

The Confucius statue at Herman Park is the work of Willy Wang, an American Emmy Awards winner who immigrated from China and has created such works as the sculpture of George R. Brown in Discovery Green and Bill Hobby in the State Capitol.

The life-size cast bronze statue of Confucius at Herman Park is believed to be the largest among its many counterparts across the United States.