Special Report: Spring Festival Special 2009
CANBERRA, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime
Minister Kevin Rudd has sent a special new year message to the Chinese
Australians during the Chinese New Year -- the Spring Festival.
In the message to the Chinese community which was
published at the Australian Chinese Daily on Monday, Kevin Rudd said "it is with
pleasure that I send my warmest greetings as we celebrate the arrival of the
Year of the Ox."
"The Year of the Ox, the sign of prosperity through
fortitude and hard work, provides us with an excellent opportunity to celebrate
the hard work of Chinese Australians and their outstanding reputation for
turning challenge into achievement," Rudd said.
Rudd, who speaks fluent Chinese and once worked as a
diplomat at the Australian embassy in Beijing in the 1980s, praised the Chinese
Australians for their hard work and contribution to Australian economy, saying
that drawn from a variety of national backgrounds, the Chinese Australian
community has helped build economy and enrich culture in Australia.
Rudd also said the cultural diversity is an intrinsic
part of Australian society and a unifying force for the nation.
"The Chinese community plays an important role in the
makeup of modern Australia and in the years ahead will play a growing role in
Australia's economic future as we join together in responding to very
challenging global economic conditions. The economic and social contribution of
the Chinese Australian community are greatly valued," he said.
He also said Chinese New Year has become a major
celebration which increasingly encompasses the wider Australian community. "It
is a time when Australians of all backgrounds can join the Chinese community and
celebrate its contribution to our rich and diverse Australian culture--through
entertainment, music and delicious Chinese food."
In conclusion, the prime minister said as the Chinese
Lunar New Year commenced, "I wish all those celebrating a prosperous, peaceful
and happy New Year."
