Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a Chinese New Year card to his friends in the U.S. state of Iowa, expressing his warm wishes and recalling fond memories of his visit to the state 40 years ago. The gesture highlights the enduring personal connections between individuals in China and the United States, emphasizing the potential for friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
In his message, President Xi reminisced about the warm reception he received during his visit to the \"beautiful state of Iowa\" in 1985, noting that the experience remains fresh in his memory. He emphasized that China and the United States share extensive common interests and broad space for cooperation, expressing confidence that the two countries 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,\" President Xi stated in his card. He also expressed hope that the peoples of both nations will engage in more exchanges and visits, jointly writing new stories of friendship and contributing to the development of China-U.S. relations.
The New Year card was initially sent to President Xi by 58 individuals from Iowa, including 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 involved in the \"50,000 in Five Years\" exchange initiative.
In their message, they recalled President Xi's first visit to Iowa in 1985 and extended their New Year greetings for the Year of the Snake. The representatives expressed their gratitude for the \"50,000 in Five Years\" initiative, shared their experiences from visiting China, and voiced their eagerness to return.
President Xi's exchange with his Iowa friends underscores the importance of people-to-people connections in international relations. As both nations navigate complex global challenges, such personal interactions highlight the potential for collaboration and mutual understanding.
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Xi Jinping sends Chinese New Year card in response to friends in Iowa
cgtn.com
