British PM sends warmest wishes for Chinese New Year

LONDON—British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has sent his warmest wishes for the Chinese New Year, according to Sing Tao Daily on Thursday.
In his letter of best wishes to Sing Tao Daily, the largest Chinese daily in Europe, Brown said, “The year of the Rat will be a momentous one for China. Your country will host the Olympic Games in August and the world will see how fast China has developed in three decades of reform.”
“During my visit last month, I witnessed the vision of the Beijing games becoming a reality,” he said. “I hope these Olympics will be the best ever, and I am proud that you will be passing the Olympic torch to us as the games close.” The prime minister also said that he believed 2008 would be an auspicious year for relations between China and Britain. “I particularly welcome the growing contacts between young people — the new and expanded initiatives to bring more Chinese students to the UK and to give more British students the opportunity to experience China first hand,” he said.
“Hong Kong provides a very special connection between us, and since 1997 has truly become a bridge not a barrier to better relations,” he added. “I continue to wish the people of Hong Kong my very best.” At the end of his letter, Brown wished Chinese families all happiness, good health and good fortune for the year ahead.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has sent his “warmest wishes” to China in the run up to Chinese New Year in a message on the Labour Party website. The British PM also hoped that the 2008 Beijing Olympics would be the best Games ever. “The Year of the Rat will be a momentous one for China. Your country will host the Olympic games in August. I hope these Olympics will be the best ever, and I am proud that you will pass the Olympic torch to us as the Games close,” he said.—Xinhua