Political leaders and representatives of international organizations have extended their heartfelt Spring Festival greetings to China, celebrating the festive occasion and reaffirming hopes for stronger international cooperation.
The Spring Festival, which falls on February 17 this year, marks the start of the Chinese New Year. This year ushers in the Year of the Horse -- the seventh of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac.
"Happy Spring Festival and all the best in the Year of the Horse. I sincerely wish that under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China will continue to prosper and its people live in peace and contentment," said Ivica Dacic, deputy prime minister and minister of interior of Serbia.
"In traditional Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes strength, progress, and perseverance, while also signifying success. On the occasion of the Spring Festival, I would like to extend my sincere blessings to China, wishing the country greater success and development. At the same time, I wish the people of both our nations happiness and health, our countries prosperity, and that together we can create a bright future," said Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Adrijana Mesarovic.
Ondrej Dostal, a member of the European Parliament from Cezch, expressed hope that China will continue to make headway in collaborating with the EU and contribute to global development.
"I would like to wish Chinese people all the best in the [Chinese] New Year, continuing progress and prosperity. And I will specifically wish the EU and China to come together more to join efforts and make the world a more secure, safe and prosperous place," said Dostal.
Officials from the African Union also sent their best wishes to the Chinese people.
"We wish a Happy New Year to the Chinese women. They are our partners. We went to Beijing for the Fourth World Conference [on Women] in China in 1995 and we are having close working relations with Chinese women. We wish them a happy, happy festival," said Eunice Iipinge, president of the Pan African Women's Organization.
"Happy New Year to all of you in China, from the heart of the African continent in the African Union and wish you all the best in the new year," said Namira Negm, first director of the African Migration Observatory.
Political leaders, representatives of int'l organizations send Spring Festival greetings to Chinese people
