Global Leaders Extend Warm Wishes for Chinese New Year
The Chinese mainland ushered in the Year of the Snake on Tuesday, marking the commencement of the Spring Festival, one of the most celebrated holidays among the Chinese community worldwide. This festive season symbolizes family reunions, cultural festivities, and a period of renewal and prosperity.
International leaders have embraced this occasion by sending their heartfelt greetings to the Chinese people both domestically and abroad. Beninese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, conveyed his best wishes during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Benin, Zhang Wei.
\"Happy Spring Festival! As Chinese communities in Benin and around the world are celebrating the Chinese New Year, I would like to take this opportunity to emphasize the great importance we attach to the strong and enduring friendship between Benin and China,\" said Bakari.
Bakari drew an inspiring parallel between the Year of the Snake and Dan, the revered serpent deity in Beninese culture. Both embody transformation, intelligence, perseverance, wealth, wisdom, and harmony—values that strengthen the bilateral relations and cultural ties between the two nations.
\"These shared values resonate profoundly within the context of our bilateral relations and reflect the depth of our cultural ties,\" Bakari added. \"May this Year of the Snake be a year of prosperity for all and for the enduring friendship between Benin and the Chinese mainland.\"
Similarly, Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka extended his greetings through a heartfelt video message. \"On behalf of the Fijian government and the people, I wish you all a joyous and prosperous Chinese New Year. May this year bring happiness, health and harmony to your loved ones,\" Rabuka stated.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the Spring Festival embodies renewal, hope, and prosperity—values that resonate deeply with the Fijian spirit. He also expressed gratitude toward the overseas Chinese community for their invaluable contributions to Fiji.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
