Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a Chinese New Year card to his long-time friends in the U.S. state of Iowa, expressing warm wishes and reflecting on a friendship that spans nearly four decades.
In his message, President Xi recalled his first visit to the \"beautiful state of Iowa\" in 1985, noting that the hospitality he received then remains \"fresh in his memory.\" He emphasized the strong ties and \"extensive common interests\" shared between China and the United States, expressing optimism that both nations \"can become partners and friends.\"
\"China and the United States can achieve mutual success and common prosperity for the benefit of both countries and the world at large,\" Xi stated in his card. He voiced hope that the peoples of both nations will \"pay more visits to each other and have more exchanges,\" fostering new stories of friendship and contributing to the development of China-U.S. relations.
The gesture came in response to a Chinese New Year card sent earlier by 58 Iowa residents, including friends such as Luca Berrone, Gary Dvorchak, and Sarah Lande; former U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad and his wife; former President of the World Food Prize Foundation Kenneth Quinn; and representatives of teachers, students, and parents involved in an initiative inviting 50,000 young Americans to China for study and exchange over a five-year period.
In their card, the Iowa friends reminisced about Xi's initial visit to the state in 1985 and extended New Year greetings for the Year of the Snake. The educators, students, and parents expressed gratitude to President Xi for launching the \"50,000 in Five Years\" initiative, shared their experiences from visiting China, and expressed eagerness to return.
The exchange highlights the enduring personal connections between President Xi and the people of Iowa, underscoring the potential for grassroots efforts to strengthen international relations. As both nations navigate complex political landscapes, such friendships serve as a reminder of the common ground shared by individuals across borders.
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Xi Jinping sends Chinese New Year card in response to friends in Iowa
cgtn.com
