Ambassadors to China from countries around the world have extended Spring Festival greetings to the Chinese people, sending warm wishes for the Year of the Horse.
In their video messages, foreign envoys highlighted the cultural significance of the horse and shared festive messages with the Chinese people.
"What is most impressive about the Spring Festival is not only the grand celebrations but also the profound humanistic sentiments it embodies. What truly touches people is the return to fundamental emotional experiences -- family reunions, respecting elders, cherishing loved ones and exchanging heartfelt blessings. All of these reflect the deep-seated belief that each new year brings us an important opportunity to reflect on the past, rejuvenate oneself, and embark on a new chapter. Wishing everyone a happy Spring Festival and great fortune in the Year of the Horse," said Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, UAE Ambassador to China.
"The Year of the Horse symbolizes vitality, perseverance and forward momentum. These qualities inspire us to strive for renewal and shared progress. As we step into the Year of the Horse, let us continue this journey of collaboration and connection. May this Spring Festival bring renewed confidence, increased harmony and shared prosperity to all," said Khalil Hashmi, Pakistani Ambassador to China.
"I would like to congratulate all of our Chinese friends. We would like to express our best wishes for them for prosperity, for richness, for health, for the coming New Year. Also, I would like to pay my best regards to all of them. Happy New Year! May you achieve immediate success in the Year of the Horse!" said Selcuk Unal, Turkish Ambassador to China.
"It is a time for family reunion. It is time to share. It is time to reconnect and there's a lot of decoration also. I see a lot of red. And I think it's a very interesting time for the Chinese people. I wish all Chinese people good fortune in the New Year of the Horse, happiness and prosperity," said Willy Bett, Kenyan Ambassador to China.
"I've always followed Chinese progression. But coming back 20 years later, I think the thing that really encourages me and that is great to see is the development, the economic development, which improves the quality of life for everybody. Also, as well, China has made remarkable progress, similar to Ireland, from an agricultural to a high-tech economy and that's great to see. On behalf of the people of Ireland, I'd like to wish you all a very happy and prosperous New Year," said Nicholas O'Brien, Irish Ambassador to China.
The Spring Festival, the most important traditional festival in China that marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year, falls on Feb 17 this year, ushering the Year of the Horse, the seventh animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle. It's a time for families reunite, take part in various customs, and exchange good wishes for happiness and prosperity in the year ahead.
Ambassadors to China extend Spring Festival greetings to Chinese people
