The Chinese people welcome the New Year or the Year of the Goat with celebrations and festivities all over the world. (Photo : Reuters)
Leaders from various countries around the world have extended their greetings to the Chinese people who welcomed the Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival of the Year of the Goat on Feb. 19.
Among them was President Almazbek Atambayev of Kyrgyzstan who sent a message of goodwill and best wishes to Chinese President Xi Jinping and all the people of China.
In his message, Atambayev mentioned the improved relations between China and Kyrgyzstan which is based on long-standing goodwill, friendship, recognition and respect.
The two countries are currently exploring options to cooperate in economy, trade, science and technology, and culture.
Atambayev said that he is looking forward to the upcoming summit in Ufa, Russia, to further discuss the matter with Chinese leaders. He added that the two countries have reached the high level of mutual understanding and support during the meeting in Shanghai in May last year and in Dushanbe in Sept. 2014.
"I hope we can continue the meaningful dialogue with you in the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in the Russian city of Ufa," the Kyrgyz leader said.
Portuguese Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho similarly sent his greetings, expressing his wishes for prosperity, health and good fortune to the Chinese people, especially to the Portuguese nationals in Macao and the Chinese community in Portugal.
In his statement, Coelho said that the Chinese New Year celebration reflects the lively and vibrant nature of the Chinese people and their culture. He added that the Lunar New Year is also celebrated in Portugal, which signifies the important ties between the two countries and to recognize the rich diversity of the two cultures.
The Venezuelan government, through its Foreign Ministry, also congratulated the Chinese government and its people in welcoming the Lunar New Year.
The statement issued on behalf of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro reiterated the Venezuelan government's commitment to strong partnership and deep relations between the two countries.
