This article was originally written in: European Chinatown.
Milan, February 2, Chinatown, Europe: On the occasion of the Spring Festival of the Year of the Dragon in 2024, the Chinese Consulate General in Milan held a grand "Warm Spring Festival" New Year reception, attracting more than 300 guests from all walks of life to gather together to celebrate this traditional festival of the Chinese nation. Among them were many dignitaries and social elites, including the Secretary General of Cataño of the Lombardy Region, the Director of Health of Ginencio of the Piedmont Region, the Mayor and Governor of La Sero of the City of Asti, the representative of the Panedo of the Province of Milan, the representative of the President of the Costa Mania of the Milan City Council, as well as the President of the Italian-Chinese Council, President Poselli and the President of the Italian-Chinese Association. In addition, the heads of overseas Chinese groups in the consular district, representatives of Chinese-funded institutions, Confucius Institutes and international students, as well as friends from various departments and the fields of industry and commerce, culture, education, media and publishing also attended the event.
In his speech, Consul General Liu Kan first sent the most sincere New Year greetings to every guest present. He highly praised the remarkable achievements made in the sustained rebound and high-quality development of China's economy in the past year under the strong leadership of China, emphasized China's leading role in world economic growth, and its positive contributions in promoting international cooperation and jointly building the new stage of high-quality development of the "Belt and Road". Consul General Liu Kan also gave a detailed introduction to the exchanges and cooperation between China and Italy at all levels, as well as the deepening friendship and understanding between the two peoples.
At the reception, the Secretary-General of the Lombardy Region**, on behalf of the region**, extended his most sincere wishes for the Chinese New Year of the Dragon to the Chinese compatriots, and expressed his high appreciation for the diligence and efforts shown by the Chinese compatriots living and working in Milan and Lombardy. He expressed the hope that the two sides will seize the good opportunity of sustained economic and cultural recovery and further strengthen exchanges and cooperation.
The mayor of Turin, Loluso, expressed his most sincere wishes to the Chinese overseas Chinese community through the ** connection. He stressed that the dragon as a positive symbol represents strength, health, harmony and good fortune, and expressed his gratitude to the Chinese diaspora and the positive contribution and influence they have made to the city of Turin.
Reggio Emilia Mayor Wecchi also extended his warmest greetings and blessings to the Chinese compatriots present and Consul General Liu Kan through **. He praised the Chinese diaspora for their long-term local roots, commitment and active participation in economic and cultural activities, as well as the important role they have played in promoting the city's many exchange and cooperation projects.
Huang Guoquan, representative of the overseas Chinese community in the consular district, mentioned in his speech that the overseas Chinese community in the consular district will adhere to the principle of "legislating for the public and running the association for the overseas Chinese", and strive to strengthen the standardization of harmonious overseas Chinese communities and overseas Chinese groups. He stressed the importance of telling China's story well and deepening China-Italy friendship, and pledged to work to promote China-Italy economic cooperation and people-to-people friendship between the two countries, and contribute wisdom and strength to common prosperity.
During the event, the local Italian cultural performance team and Chinese students brought wonderful cultural performances, such as lion dance, traditional dance and chorus, showing the unique charm of Chinese culture and the joyful atmosphere of the Spring Festival. In addition, the traditional food prepared by the chef team of the Cantonese Cuisine Industry Branch of the World Federation of Chinese Cuisine not only showcased China's rich food culture, but also allowed the guests to deeply experience the warmth and joy of traditional Chinese festivals.
On this night full of laughter, Consul General Liu Kan and Deputy Consul General Zhang Kaibin distributed "Warm Spring Greeting" warm heart bags to the old overseas Chinese leaders and representatives of overseas students, expressing the motherland's concern and blessings to them. The guests toasted to celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Dragon, wished for the prosperity of the People's Republic of China, the happiness and well-being of the people, and hoped that the friendly relations between China and Italy would be strengthened and developed at a deeper level. The whole reception ended successfully in a warm atmosphere, which not only demonstrated the deep friendship between the Chinese and Italian peoples, but also reflected the good expectations for future cooperation and exchanges.
Through this "Warm Spring Festival" Chinese New Year Reception, the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Milan once again emphasized the importance of building a community with a shared future for mankind, and pledged to continue to be committed to providing warm and thoughtful services to Chinese citizens in the consular district to enhance their sense of gain, happiness and security. At the same time, the event has also become an important platform to showcase traditional Chinese culture, promote cultural exchanges between China and Italy, and deepen the friendship between the two peoples.
With the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Italy Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the 700th anniversary of the death of Marco Polo, the two sides are expected to open up broader areas of cooperation to jointly promote a peaceful, secure, prosperous and progressive world and work together towards a better future. (*Zhao Jianbin).
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