Go local

According to Xu, to work in Africa, one must fully integrate himself into African society. "The most effective way of doing so is to respect African cultures and do as locals do," he added.

In 1998, Xu arrived to take up the ambassador post in Guinea. Before going to the West African country, he carefully studied the tribal cultures of Guinea. "When I learned that the totem of the tribe of then President of Guinea Lansana Conté is a rooster, I took him three roosters when I went to see him for the first time in his hometown," recalled Xu.

Conté was so excited that he introduced Xu to his mother and all his brothers. He told Xu that he was the first Chinese ambassador to celebrate the festival of his tribe in local style and he regarded Xu as one of his villagers.

After that, Xu celebrated Guinean festivals strictly according to local customs every year.

"Every country, big or small, has its own culture and every culture deserves our respect," commented Xu. "If you respect their cultures and customs, they will also respect you."

During the years in Africa, Xu continued to adopt this working style. While serving as an ambassador to Cameroon, he bought more than 11,000 footballs and presented them to many government departments and individuals.

"Football is very popular in Cameroon and the country is known as the Indomitable Lions in terms of football. So, presenting them with footballs means to respect their culture," said Xu. Meanwhile, he usually sought assistance from Chinese organizations, like sewing machines from All-China Women's Federation and wheelchairs from China Disabled Persons' Federation. "These things are actually needed by many African people," Xu said.

"To respect cultures in different African countries, we must take different measures according to the realities of different countries," said Xu.

His work was also highly appreciated by the countries in which he worked. When he left Guinea in 2000, he was conferred a medal by the president; in Cameroon, he was conferred medals twice, the only diplomat to have been given this honor in Cameroon.

"If you open your heart and soul to people, they will do the same to you," he added.

Xu Mengshui's Diplomatic Life

> 1982-86: The Chinese Embassy to the Central African Republic as a secretary

> 1986-92: The Department of African Affairs of Ministry of Foreign Affairs

> 1992-96: The Chinese Embassy to Cameroon as a political counselor

> 1996-97: The Department of African Affairs of Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a counselor

> 1998-2000: Chinese ambassador to Guinea

> 2000-03:  Chinese ambassador to Cameroon