French President Nicolas Sarkozy sent a congratulatory message
on Saturday to overseas Chinese living in France to celebrate the
forthcoming Chinese lunar new year, which falls on February 7.
"I would like to give you, your family and relatives all my best
wishes for a successful career and a happy life" in the coming new
year, Sarkozy said in a message sent to the Chinese-language daily,
Nouvelles D'europe.
"Celebrations for a traditional Chinese new year are always
important for people of Chinese origin who were nurtured by Chinese
culture," which, he said, is an occasion celebrating their special
traditions, their roots and their identities.
The Chinese people are attractive and fascinating, and overseas
Chinese living in Europe have increased mutual tolerance and
understanding among people of different backgrounds, he said.
This is why the Beijing Olympic Games is important: with the
event, China welcomes the world and embraces the value of
tolerance, opening and diversity as embodied in the spirit of
sports, he added.
(Xinhua News Agency January 28, 2008)
