BEIJING: As the Chinese New Year of the Rabbit arrives, many foreign leaders have sent Chinese New Year greetings to the country, the Chinese people and overseas Chinese and expressed their hope for stronger cooperation with China toward a better future.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa wished the Chinese people a happy Chinese New Year and a prosperous Spring Festival 2023 in a statement released by the presidency.
“As we enter the new year, we are also celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of South Africa and the People’s Republic of China in 1998,” he said, adding that South Africa will succeed China as chair and host of the next Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Summit.
“These occasions provide ample cause for celebration,” he said.
In a video message published Saturday, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe wished the people and government of China a prosperous Year of the Rabbit.
Meanwhile, Dinesh Gunawardena, the country’s prime minister, said in his video message that China is a “true trustworthy friend” of Sri Lanka. “Even in the present economic crisis in Sri Lanka, China has assured extraordinary special support for us to overcome economic challenges,” he said, wishing the Chinese people “a very happy, joyous and prosperous new year.” Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, in his greeting message to China on Sunday, wished the Chinese people prosperity, progress, happiness and good health. He said he looks forward to working with China to continuously expand mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields and further enhance the already close cooperative partnership between the Maldives and China.
“On behalf of our people, I wish you (China and the Chinese people) good health, luck, and many new economic achievements,” said Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic while attending the central celebration welcoming the Year of the Rabbit held at the Kalemegdan Fortress in Belgrade on Saturday.
She pledged to further strengthen the “iron-clad friendship” between Serbia and China.
In a letter extending Chinese New Year greetings to the Chinese people in Denmark and China, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen noted that “the Rabbit symbolizes gentleness and kindness” to many people. “China and Denmark have many shared interests, not least when it comes to dealing with climate change. We are facing mounting global challenges that can only be overcome by joint efforts,” she said, adding that she hopes “this year we can further strengthen our relations in areas such as the green transition and trade.”
–The Daily Mail-CGTN
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