VIENNA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday extended his greetings to President Xi Jinping, the people of China, and the Chinese communities worldwide on the occasion of the Chinese New Year 2026.
“As we welcome the Chinese New Year 2026 – the Year of the Horse – I extend my heartfelt greetings to President Xi Jinping, the brotherly people of China, and to Chinese communities around the world,” the prime minister wrote in a message on his X timeline, which he started with the Chinese words “Gong Xi Fa Cai” translated as “congratulations and may you prosper.”
Referring to the Year of the Horse, named under the Chinese zodiac calendar featuring a 12-year cycle represented by 12 animals, the prime minister said that the Horse symbolized energy, resilience and speed – values that resonated deeply with our shared journey.
Prime Minister Shehbaz, who is currently in Austria on a two-day visit, said that Pakistan and China were iron brothers, bound by an All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership and a shared vision of peace, development and regional connectivity.
He wished that the new year would further strengthen the enduring bilateral friendship and deepen cooperation for the prosperity of two peoples.
“The entire Pakistani nation joins me in wishing our Chinese brothers and sisters continued good health, success and forward momentum in the Year of the Horse,” the prime minister added.