Chinese President Xi Jinping has renewed his long-standing friendship with the people of Iowa by sending a Chinese New Year card to his friends in the U.S. state. On Monday, President Xi expressed his warm memories of visiting the \"beautiful state of Iowa\" 40 years ago, noting that the reception he received is still fresh in his mind.
In his message, Xi highlighted the extensive common interests and broad space for cooperation between China and the United States, emphasizing that the two nations can become partners and friends. He voiced hope that the peoples of both countries would engage in more exchanges and visits, jointly writing new stories of friendship and contributing to the development of China-U.S. relations.
The gesture was in response to a Chinese New Year card sent to President Xi earlier by 58 Iowans, including his old friends Luca Berrone, Gary Dvorchak, and Sarah Lande; former U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad and his wife; and former President of the World Food Prize Foundation Kenneth Quinn. Representatives of teachers, students, and parents from Iowa who participated in the \"50,000 in Five Years\" exchange initiative also joined in sending their greetings.
In their card, the Iowans reminisced about Xi's first visit to Iowa in 1985 and extended their New Year wishes to him for the Year of the Snake. The teachers, students, and parents expressed gratitude for the \"50,000 in Five Years\" initiative, shared their experiences from visiting China, and conveyed their eagerness to return.
President Xi's continued connection with Iowa underscores the potential for personal relationships to enhance international ties. His emphasis on mutual success and prosperity signals a desire to strengthen the partnership between China and the United States for the benefit of both nations and the world at large.
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Xi Jinping sends Chinese New Year card in response to friends in Iowa
cgtn.com
