My Indian friends, Namaste!

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate China Media Group on the success of this online photo contest themed "Impression of China", and extend my heartfelt thanks to all the Indian friends for your active participation.

I've learned that the participants of this contest include Indian students studying in China, Chinese language enthusiasts studying in India, professional photographers loving Chinese culture, travelers who once took a self-drive tour from southern India to Beijing, and Indian friends who made a special trip to Tibet for mountain trekking. Through the wonderful photographs, you show China in your own eyes, enhance mutual understanding and friendship between our two peoples, and send good wishes for China-India relations.

Both China and India are ancient civilizations with a history of friendly exchanges for more than 2,000 years. In the new era, we should actively explore new ways and channels to enhance mutual exchanges and understanding and build bridges of trust and friendship. Hope we could hold more activities of people-to-people exchanges in the future to inject more positive energy into the development of bilateral relations.

Now, I would like to announce that the first prize winner of this contest is "Dynamic splash of youth" taken by Pranab Basak. It captured the joyful moment of a Chinese girl jumping on the Great Wall, which not only shows China's splendid ancient civilization, but also embodies the youthful vitality of the young generation. Congratulations!

As you know, the Chinese Spring Festival is coming soon. The upcoming Chinese New Year is the Year of the Ox. In the Chinese culture, the Ox is the symbol of dedication, diligence and pioneering spirit. The year of the Ox is an auspicious year for both Chinese and Indian peoples.

I wish you all a happy Chinese New Year, and make greater progress in the Year of the Ox. Thank you.