Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a Chinese New Year card to his friends in the U.S. state of Iowa, expressing hope for strengthened ties and increased cooperation between China and the United States.
In his message, President Xi recalled his visit to Iowa 40 years ago, noting that the warm reception he received remains fresh in his memory. He emphasized that China and the United States share extensive common interests and broad space for cooperation, and 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 expressed hope that people from both nations will engage in more visits and exchanges, writing new stories of friendship and contributing to the development of China-U.S. relations.
The card was sent in response to a Chinese New Year greeting from 58 Iowa residents, including friends 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 teachers, students, and parents involved in the \"50,000 in Five Years\" exchange initiative.
In their message, the Iowa friends reminisced about Xi's first visit to Iowa in 1985 and extended their New Year greetings for the Year of the Snake. Participants of the \"50,000 in Five Years\" initiative shared their experiences visiting China and expressed eagerness to return.
The exchange highlights the enduring personal connections between President Xi and the people of Iowa, underscoring the importance of grassroots diplomacy in fostering mutual understanding and friendship between nations.
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Xi Jinping sends Chinese New Year card in response to friends in Iowa
cgtn.com
