Xi Jinping Reconnects with Iowa Friends Through Chinese New Year Card
Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a heartfelt Chinese New Year card to his friends in the U.S. state of Iowa, emphasizing the enduring friendship between China and the United States. In his message, President Xi highlighted the extensive common interests and broad space for cooperation shared by the two nations, expressing optimism that they can become partners and friends.
\"The warm reception I received when I visited the beautiful state of Iowa 40 years ago is still fresh in my memory,\" Xi wrote in his reply card. Reflecting on his first visit to Iowa in 1985, he underscored the deep personal connections and fond memories that continue to inspire his vision for China-U.S. relations.
President Xi expressed hope for increased exchanges between the peoples of both countries. \"China and the United States can achieve mutual success and common prosperity for the benefit of both countries and the world at large,\" he stated. He encouraged more visits and interactions, aiming to \"jointly write new stories of friendship\" and contribute to the development of China-U.S. relations.
The New Year card from Iowa was a collaborative gesture from 58 individuals, 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; as well as teachers, students, and parents involved in the \"50,000 in Five Years\" initiative, which invites young Americans to China for exchange and study over a five-year period.
In their card, the Iowa friends fondly recalled President Xi's visit to Iowa in 1985 and extended their New Year greetings in the Year of the Snake. The representatives of teachers, students, and parents expressed gratitude for the \"50,000 in Five Years\" initiative, shared their experiences from visiting China, and looked forward to future opportunities to return.
This exchange of New Year greetings underscores the potential for people-to-people diplomacy to strengthen ties between nations. As President Xi and his Iowa friends revisit cherished memories and look ahead to future collaborations, their correspondence symbolizes the enduring importance of mutual understanding and friendship in international relations.
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Xi Jinping sends Chinese New Year card in response to friends in Iowa
cgtn.com
