Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday sent a Chinese New Year card to friends in the U.S. state of Iowa, expressing hope for stronger ties and cooperation between China and the United States. Xi emphasized that both nations share extensive common interests and have broad space for cooperation, highlighting the potential for the two countries to become partners and friends.
In his message, President Xi fondly recalled his visit to the \"beautiful state of Iowa\" 40 years ago, saying the warm reception he received remains fresh in his memory. His visit in 1985, when he was a provincial official, laid the foundation for his personal connection with the people of Iowa.
\"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. He expressed his hope that the peoples of both nations will engage in more exchanges and visits, fostering deeper understanding and friendship. \"Let us jointly write new stories of friendship between our peoples and make new contributions to the development of China-U.S. relations,\" he added.
The Chinese President's card was in response to a Chinese New Year greeting he received earlier from 58 Iowa residents. The group included 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 who participated in the initiative of inviting 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study over a five-year period.
In their card, the Iowa friends reminisced about Xi's first visit to their state in 1985 and extended New Year greetings in the Year of the Snake. Representatives of 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.
This exchange of greetings underscores the enduring friendship between individuals in China and the United States, highlighting the power of people-to-people exchanges in strengthening international relations and fostering mutual understanding.
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Xi Jinping sends Chinese New Year card in response to friends in Iowa
cgtn.com
