World leaders extend Chinese New Year greetings

World
Europe

With Chinese New Year just around the corner, President Xi Jinping has extended festive greetings to the population via a speech at a reception in Beijing.

“The Chinese nation highly values true affection and righteousness... A short greeting of ‘welcome home’ can warm the hearts of millions of Chinese… People should not neglect their families, friends or loved ones, no matter how busy they are at work,” said Xi at the Great Hall of the People.

He has been joined in the annual tradition of well-wishing by leaders from around the world.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sent a video message saying, "The year of the rooster symbolizes early starts and new beginnings. It stresses the importance of energy, determination and the strong sense of responsibility at work. These are inspiring attributes to help guide us in troubled times."

Guterres called for 2017 to be a year of peace: "We must work together to overcome conflict, human rights abuses, poverty and other crises."

At the end of the video, Guterres said "Happy New Year" and "Thank You" in Chinese.

‍UK Prime Minister Theresa May also sent her best wishes to everyone in China, Britain and around the world celebrating Chinese New Year.

May said she looked forward to making another visit to China, following her trip to Hangzhou last year, which was her first visit outside Europe as Prime Minister and her first meeting with President Xi.

“So as the lanterns are lit and the dumplings are served, let me wish you and your family, wherever you are, a very happy and healthy New Year. Xin nian kuai le [happy New Year in Chinese].”

New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English sent his greetings by saying "Happy New Year” in Chinese and wishing all Chinese "a happy prosperous new year of the rooster.”