As we will be soon celebrating the traditional Chinese Spring Festival, I wish to extend, on behalf of Comrades Dai Bingguo and Wang Yi, the Party Committee of the Foreign Ministry and all the colleagues in the Ministry, our festive greetings and best wishes to the more than 5,000 Chinese diplomats who work at 256 Chinese diplomatic missions abroad far away from the motherland. My best wishes also go to your families. Thank you all for your hard work!

Our diplomats, always conscious of your mission entrusted to you by the Party, the country and the people, are devoted to your work, and have a high sense of responsibility. In 2007, in the face of the complicated and volatile international situation and heavier workload, you worked in unison and, under the correct leadership of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council, helped to create an enabling international environment for building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. Your unique contribution is highly appreciated by the Party, the country and the people.

The year 2008 is a year of special significance in the history of the Chinese nation. It is the first year to fully implement the decisions and policies made at the 17th National Party Congress and the 30th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up. More importantly, it is the year of the 29th Olympiad in Beijing, an event that has captured worldwide attention. Let us rally closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Hu Jintao as the General Secretary, continue to follow the guidance of the scientific outlook on development, bear in mind both the domestic and international situations in decision making and forge ahead in unity and with determination to build a moderately prosperous society in all respects and promote a harmonious world of enduring peace and common prosperity.

I wish you all happiness, success and good health in the New Year!