Mauritian President Anerood Jugnauth, Prime Minister
Navinchandra Ramgoolam and other senior government officials joined
the Chinese community?Tuesday evening in celebrating Chinese
traditional Spring Festival which falls on Feb. 7 this year.
In his greeting message at the grand reception, organized by the
Federation of Chinese Societies (FCS), President Jugnauth said that
Chinese community in Mauritius was a major element in social
harmony, national unity and economic development in his
country.
He expressed appreciation to the Chinese community, the majority
of which have been doing business for generations, for their
contribution to the development of the island country, especially
in sectors of economy, culture, education and medical care.
Mauritius, which declared Chinese Spring Festival as a national
holiday years ago, is the only country in Africa doing so, he
said.
FCS Chairman Tang Yun Sing wished the some 1,000 guests present
at the reception a happy new year and a prosperous future.
Chinese Ambassador to Mauritius Gao Yuchen said to the guests
that the Chinese government and the people are now busy making
final preparation for the 29th Olympic Games, scheduled to be held
in Beijing in August this year.
He said China would make its best efforts to make the games
become an event that promotes world peace and development and
strengthens understanding among all the peoples of the world.
He expressed his respect for the Chinese community in Mauritius
for their contribution to social and economic development in the
island country since its independent 40 years ago.
Artists from the two countries gave performance of musical
instruments, acrobatics and dancing at the reception.
(Xinhua News Agency February 6, 2008)