Austrian Vice Chancellor Wilhelm Molterer sent greetings Thursday to the Chinese community to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, which falls on February 7.

In a message of greetings, received by the Austria-China Association for the Promotion of International Economy, Molterer said that on the occasion of the Chinese New Year, he is very glad to offer his best wishes to the Chinese people.

He also praised overseas Chinese in Austria for their efforts in promoting mutual understanding between the two countries, saying the friendly economic exchanges are based on mutual respect.

Molterer said that in view of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, the upcoming Year of the Rat is of great significance, adding that the sportsmanship of fair play and mutual respect would unite the peoples and close the distance among countries around the world.

Ni Tieping, president of the association, told Xinhua that the letter was not only the best wishes for overseas Chinese in Austria and all the Chinese people, but also a praise for the persistent efforts of the Austrian Chinese communities to promote mutual understanding and bilateral exchanges.

China's development has raised the social status of overseas Chinese, he said.

Ni said he and his association would continue to promote mutual understanding and exchanges between the two countries and contribute to the national construction of China.

(Xinhua News Agency February 2, 2008)