Chinese President Xi Jinping has rekindled a decades-long friendship by sending a heartfelt Chinese New Year card to his friends in the U.S. state of Iowa. The gesture comes as a touching reminder of the ties that bind China and the United States, highlighting the extensive common interests and the vast potential for cooperation between the two nations.
In his message, President Xi reminisced about the warm reception he received during his visit to the picturesque state of Iowa 40 years ago. “The hospitality and kindness you showed me back then are still fresh in my memory,” he wrote, emphasizing the lasting impact of personal connections in fostering international relations.
President Xi expressed optimism about the future of China-U.S. relations, stating that both countries can achieve mutual success and shared prosperity, benefiting not only themselves but the world at large. He voiced his hope for increased exchanges and visits between the peoples of both nations, envisioning new stories of friendship and collaboration that contribute to the development of bilateral ties.
The card from President Xi was a response to a collective Chinese New Year greeting sent by 58 Iowa residents. Among them were his old 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; as well as teachers, students, and parents involved in the "50,000 in Five Years" exchange initiative. This program aims to invite 50,000 young Americans to China for study and cultural exchange over a five-year period.
In their card, the Iowa friends fondly recalled President Xi's first visit to their state in 1985 and extended their warmest New Year greetings in the Year of the Snake. The educators and students expressed gratitude for the exchange initiative, sharing heartfelt reflections on their experiences in China and their eagerness to return.
This exchange of New Year greetings underscores the power of personal relationships in bridging cultural and political divides. As both nations navigate the complexities of global affairs, such grassroots connections lay a foundation for mutual understanding and cooperation.
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Xi Jinping sends Chinese New Year card in response to friends in Iowa
cgtn.com
