Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a Chinese New Year card to his friends in the U.S. state of Iowa, rekindling a friendship that spans nearly four decades. In his message, President Xi expressed that the warm reception he received during his visit to Iowa 40 years ago remains a cherished memory.
Highlighting the extensive common interests and broad space for cooperation between China and the United States, Xi emphasized that the two countries can become partners and friends, achieving mutual success and prosperity for the benefit of both nations and the world at large. He expressed hope that the peoples of both countries will engage in more exchanges and visits, fostering new stories of friendship and contributing to the development of China-U.S. relations.
Earlier, a group of 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; as well as teachers, students, and parents involved in the \"50,000 in Five Years\" initiative, had jointly sent a Chinese New Year card to President Xi. In their message, they recalled Xi's first visit to Iowa in 1985 and extended their greetings for the Year of the Snake.
The representatives expressed gratitude to President Xi for initiating the \"50,000 in Five Years\" program, which invites young Americans to China for exchange and study. They shared their positive experiences from visiting China and voiced their eagerness to visit again.
President Xi's gesture reflects the enduring personal ties and people-to-people exchanges that continue to play a significant role in strengthening the relationship between China and the United States.
