Chinese President Xi Jinping has rekindled a decades-old friendship with the people of Iowa by sending a Chinese New Year card to his friends in the state. On Monday, President Xi expressed his warm wishes and reflected on his fond memories of Iowa, emphasizing the importance of strong China-U.S. relations and people-to-people exchanges.
In his message, Xi recalled the warm reception he received during his visit to the \"beautiful state of Iowa\" 40 years ago, noting that the experience remains fresh in his memory. He highlighted the extensive common interests shared by China and the United States and expressed confidence that the two nations can \"become partners and friends,\" achieving mutual success and prosperity for the benefit of both countries and the world at large.
President Xi expressed hope that the Chinese and American peoples will engage in more visits and exchanges, jointly writing new stories of friendship and contributing to the development of China-U.S. relations.
This gesture came after 58 Iowa residents, including longtime 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; and representatives of teachers, students, and parents involved in the \"50,000 in Five Years\" initiative, sent a Chinese New Year card to President Xi.
In their card, they reminisced about Xi's first visit to Iowa in 1985 and extended New Year greetings to President Xi in the Year of the Snake. The teachers, students, and parents expressed gratitude for the \"50,000 in Five Years\" initiative, shared their experiences from their visits to China, and voiced their eagerness to return.
The exchange highlights the enduring personal connections that underpin the bilateral relationship between China and the United States. As both nations navigate complex global challenges, such people-to-people ties serve as 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
