Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a Chinese New Year card to his friends in the U.S. state of Iowa, emphasizing the importance of China-U.S. relations and the potential for increased cooperation and friendship between the two nations.
In his message sent on Monday, President Xi expressed that the warm reception he received during his visit to the beautiful state of Iowa 40 years ago remains a vivid memory. He highlighted the extensive common interests shared by China and the United States and noted the broad space for cooperation that can lead to both countries becoming 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 also expressed hope that the peoples of both nations would engage in more frequent visits and exchanges. \"Let us jointly write new stories of friendship between our peoples and make new contributions to the development of China-U.S. relations,\" he added.
The President's card was in response to a Chinese New Year card he received from 58 Iowans, including friends like 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. This initiative aims to invite 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study over a five-year period.
In their card, the Iowans reminisced about President Xi's first visit to Iowa in 1985 and extended their heartfelt New Year greetings for the Year of the Snake. Representatives from the group expressed gratitude for the \"50,000 in Five Years\" initiative, shared their memorable experiences from visiting China, and voiced their eagerness to return.
President Xi's outreach underscores the ongoing importance of grassroots relationships in bolstering diplomatic ties. His personal connection with Iowa reflects a longstanding friendship that began decades ago and continues to foster goodwill between the two countries.
The exchange of New Year greetings comes at a time when strengthening people-to-people connections is vital for enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation on global issues.
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Xi Jinping sends Chinese New Year card in response to friends in Iowa
cgtn.com
