Chinese Spring Festival celebrated in Istanbul with messages of friendship.

The festive spirit of the Spring Festival marking the Year of the Horse in China was celebrated in Istanbul at a reception hosted by Mr. Wei Xiaodong, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Istanbul. The event highlighted the friendly relations between the two countries, mutual cooperation, and in particular the potential for development in the field of tourism.

The reception was attended by Ambassador Ayşe Sözen Usluer, Istanbul Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Istanbul Deputy Governor Mehmet Sülün, President of the Association of Turkish Hoteliers (TÜROB) Müberra Eresin and Secretary General İsmail Taşdemir, as well as numerous senior executives from the public and private sectors, representatives of foreign missions in Istanbul, figures from the diplomatic and business communities, Chinese citizens, representatives of Chinese-funded institutions, students studying abroad, and members of the press.

In his address, Consul General Wei Xiaodong noted that the Spring Festival is the most deeply rooted and important traditional holiday for the Chinese people, emphasizing that this special day is a symbol of unity, solidarity, and new beginnings. Stating that the Year of the Horse represents courage, strength, and resilience, Wei expressed his hope that this spirit would lend fresh momentum to the friendship and cooperation between China and Türkiye. Pointing out that relations between the two countries grow stronger with each passing year, Consul General Wei said that, in addition to economic and cultural cooperation, there is also significant potential in the field of tourism. Noting that Türkiye's decision to grant visa exemption to Chinese citizens is an extremely important and friendly step, Wei stated that this development would soon bring about a substantial increase in the number of visitors traveling from China to Türkiye. He added that increased tourism activity would further strengthen mutual understanding and rapprochement between the two peoples.