Celebrating Chinese New Year: Rabbit is coming

 

Chinese Embassy in Zagreb celebrated the arrival of the Chinese 4709th year, the year of rabbit, which begins on February 3, 2011.

 

H.E. Mr. Shen Zhifeijem, Ambassador of China to Croatia hosted H.E. Dr. Ivo Josipović, President of Croatia, H.E. Mr. Stjepan Mesić, Former President of Croata and H.E. Mr. Gordan Jandroković, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration with his wife in restaurant Kun Lun on January 27.

Honourable guests changed their suits to traditional Chinese tangs. They also learned how to cook Chinese dish jiaozi, and write in calligraphy sentence „TU NIAN JI XIANG", which means "A lots of happiness in a year of a rabbit!" According to Chinese astrologists, this year should bring the power of change into the world and, hopefully, the end of crisis.

 

Croatia getting into EU fast as rabbit

 

More than 200 guests from Crotian political and cultural life enjoyed the costumed dragons
dancing and the fascinating fireworks, and after that specialties of Chinese cuisine.

This banquet showed once again good relations between Croatia and China. Croatia is China's first trade partner in the region. Because of last year's visa termination for Chinese tourists, their number has grown for 70%. China also hopes to win mayor role in building new Zagreb Airport, harbours Ploče and Rijeka and low-floor railway in Croatia. On its side, Croatia expects mayor investments from eastern giant.

In this spirit of partnership congratulations were expressed. President Josipović wishes all the best to both Chinese and Croatian people, hoping that in the following year of rabbit Croatia will finally enter the European Union as fast and as easy as a running rabbit.

In his speech President Mesić mentioned Croatian-Chinese commercial relations. He thinks China has a great potential and emphasized the importance of strengthening relationship and Croatian companies getting an active appearance on Chinese market.

As a testimony to how deeply appreciated Croatia is in China, the biggest Chinese TV-house CCTV sent their crew to this event, so that all China can view three Croatian leaders wishing them happy New Year in Chinese: Xin Nian Kuai Le!

 

 

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