Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a Chinese New Year card to his friends in the U.S. state of Iowa, rekindling decades-old ties and emphasizing the importance of China-U.S. friendship. The gesture comes as a heartfelt response to a greeting card sent earlier by 58 individuals from Iowa, including long-time friends, former officials, educators, and students.
In his message, President Xi expressed that the warm reception he received during his visit to Iowa 40 years ago remains vivid in his memory. He highlighted the extensive common interests and broad space for cooperation between China and the United States, noting that the two nations 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.
President Xi also conveyed his hope for increased exchanges between the Chinese and American peoples. He encouraged more visits and interactions to jointly \"write new stories of friendship\" and contribute to the development of China-U.S. relations.
The initial New Year card sent to President Xi was a collective effort by 58 Iowans, 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; and representatives from educational communities involved in the \"50,000 in Five Years\" initiative, which invites young Americans to China for exchange and study.
In their card, they reminisced about President Xi's first visit to Iowa in 1985 and extended their New Year greetings for the Year of the Snake. Educators, students, and parents expressed gratitude for the opportunity provided by the \"50,000 in Five Years\" initiative, sharing their positive experiences in China and expressing eagerness to visit again.
President Xi's outreach to his Iowa friends underscores the enduring personal connections that can help bridge cultural and political divides. His message reinforces the potential for cooperation and mutual understanding between China and the United States at a people-to-people level.
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Xi Jinping sends Chinese New Year card in response to friends in Iowa
cgtn.com
