Message from Ambassador Chen Yuming for 'Happy Spring Festival'
2014/03/23

(February 2, 2014)

Dear Ms. Sanne Houby-Nielsen,

Dear Swedish friends and friends from Chinese Community,

Today is the third day of the Chinese New Year. I would like to convey the new year greeting and best wishes to you. Thank the Far Eastern Antiquities Gallery for the arrangement and the wonderful lion and dragon dance. This year is the year of the horse. In China, the horse plays a very important role in our culture. It symbolizes strength, elegance, loyalty and chivalry. Our Ancestors often compared a thorough-bred horse to a talent.

Looking back to the past, we are delighted to see that the China-Sweden relations have evolved into a mature partnership with closer political, economic, cultural and scientific ties benefiting our two peoples. Nothing brings people closer than the charm of culture. It makes people eager to learn more about the lives of other people, leads to deeper mutual understanding and builds strong bond of friendship. The great enthusiasm of Swedish people in the Chinese New Year is the best example.

Cultural exchanges bring us closer and help us understand each other better. 2014 is the 10th year that the Chinese Embassy and the Far Eastern Antiquities Gallery co-host the celebrations of the Chinese New Year. I wish to take this opportunity to thank you all for promoting Chinese culture in Sweden.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The coming of spring will lead us to a season of new hope. Let's join our hands and make new efforts. Together, we can build a better future.

I hope you will enjoy the performances and have good luck in the year of the Horse!