African leaders celebrate Chinese New Year
As China celebrates the Spring Festival, leaders from around the world have sent warm wishes to the Chinese people, expressing optimism for the Year of the Dragon and voicing expectations for the future of their nations' relationships with China.
In a diplomatic show of solidarity, African leaders have also taken to various platforms to convey their best wishes for prosperity, good fortune, and further collaborations with the people of China.
The Year of the Dragon, a highly significant symbol in the Chinese zodiac is seen as a sign of strength and positive transformation. African leaders have utilised this opportunity to underscore their hopes for enhanced collaboration, economic partnerships, and increased cooperation with China in the coming year.
On behalf of the Kenyan people, President William Ruto joined other world leaders in expressing his warm wishes to the Chinese people.
“On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Kenya and that of my own, I convey to Your Excellency and through you to the Government and People of the People’s Republic of China, best wishes for a Happy Chinese New Year 2024. As you welcome the Year of the Dragon, which symbolises good health, good luck, power, strength, and wisdom. On 14th December, 2023, Kenya and China celebrated the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Over the period, the two countries have forged and enjoyed warm and strong relations based on friendship, mutual trust and commitment to progress, and which we have both nurtured to a strategic partnership not only for mutual benefit," Ruto wrote on X.
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Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed Ali also wrote on X “Extending heartfelt wishes for a vibrant and auspicious Chinese New Year to people and government of China. May the Year of the Dragon usher in abundance and success.”
The Vice President of Liberia, Jeremiah Koung, added "Happy Chinese New Year. We the people in Liberia say we appreciate the people of China for all the work you continue to do for us. And we continue to work with the people of China to benefit both our countries," said Koung.
Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar wished the Chinese people a happy and peaceful Spring Festival.
"I wish that China will make great progress and development in various fields in the new year. I wish that the friendship between China and Nigeria will become stronger and the people of Nigeria and China join hands to move towards a better tomorrow," Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar is quoted by CGTN.
The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is a significant cultural and traditional celebration in China, marking the beginning of the lunar new year. The Year of the Dragon is particularly special in the Chinese zodiac, symbolising strength, prosperity, and good fortune.
