Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama (3rd L) and Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Qian Bo (2nd L) attend an event to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year at the Yat Sen School in Suva, Fiji, Feb. 14, 2021. Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama attended Sunday the celebrations by the Chinese community in Fiji for the Lunar New Year which fell on Feb. 12 this year. During the celebrations held at the Yat Sen School in Suva, capital of Fiji, Bainimarama congratulated local Chinese on the Lunar New Year. (Xinhua/Zhang Yongxing)

SUVA, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama attended Sunday the celebrations by the Chinese community in Fiji for the Lunar New Year which fell on Feb. 12 this year.

During the celebrations held at the Yat Sen School in Suva, capital of Fiji, Bainimarama congratulated local Chinese on the Lunar New Year, saying that "Chinese New Year is a time to reflect on the events of the past year and it is an opportunity to look forward to a better future. I wish health, happiness and prosperity for 2021 to you, your family and your friends."

The prime minister also hoped that the spirit of ox will help Fiji work together to rebuild its economy which contracted by 19 percent last year due to COVID-19.

"This is a year that will be marked by those qualities we associate with the ox--steadfastness, strength, hard work and perseverance. Most importantly, oxen work best in teams, and we will all need to pull together and work together as we rebuild our economy."

For his part, Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Qian Bo said that the animal "Ox" in Chinese culture symbolizes diligence, bravery and perseverance. It also represents for pioneering, enterprising and success. Therefore, the Year of Ox will be a year of both cultivation and harvest.

"As we celebrate the lunar new year, I wish China-Fiji relations a harmonious, prosperous, and bright future, and wish both Chinese and Fijian people good luck and happiness in the Year of Ox," he said.

The year 2020 is special in the history of China-Fiji relations as the two countries celebrated the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations together, the ambassador said, adding that China looks forward to deepening exchanges and cooperation with Fiji in various fields in 2021 to push forward the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

The ambassador also praised local Chinese for the role of bridges they have played in helping maintain and improve the China-Fiji relations over the past years, especially during the extraordinary time of COVID-19.

The Chinese community in Fiji also entertained people by holding art performances and a Chinese food fair. Enditem