Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a warm Chinese New Year card to his friends in the U.S. state of Iowa, emphasizing the importance of friendship and cooperation between China and the United States.
In his message, President Xi fondly recalled the warm reception he received during his visit to the beautiful state of Iowa 40 years ago. \"The hospitality I experienced in Iowa remains fresh in my memory,\" Xi wrote, highlighting the strong personal connections formed during his stay.
President Xi underscored the extensive common interests and the broad space for cooperation that China and the United States share. He expressed optimism that the two countries can become partners and friends, achieving mutual success and common prosperity for the benefit of both nations and the world at large.
Looking to the future, Xi expressed his hope for increased exchanges between the Chinese and American people. \"I hope our peoples will pay more visits to each other and have more exchanges,\" he stated. \"Let us jointly write new stories of friendship and make new contributions to the development of China-U.S. relations.\"
The New Year card from President Xi was in response to a joint greeting sent earlier by 58 Iowa residents. The group included long-time 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 who participated in the \"50,000 in Five Years\" exchange initiative.
In their card, the Iowa friends reminisced about Xi's first visit to Iowa in 1985 and extended their warm New Year greetings to him in the Year of the Snake. Participants of the exchange initiative shared their experiences visiting China and expressed their eagerness to return.
President Xi's outreach underscores the enduring bonds formed through cultural exchange and the potential for grassroots relationships to strengthen diplomatic ties. As both nations navigate complex global challenges, personal connections like these highlight the shared values and mutual respect that can serve as a foundation for improved relations.
Reference(s):
Xi Jinping sends Chinese New Year card in response to friends in Iowa
cgtn.com
