VIP Greetings: Australia

Prime Minister John Howard

MESSAGE: 2006 GLOBAL CHINESE NEW YEAR GALA

It gives me great pleasure to send my best wishes to all those attending 2006 Global Chinese New Year Gala,

As all Australians join in celebrating Chinese New Year, we pray that it will be free of many of the natural and other disasters that have challenged Australia and the world in recent times. Our thought sin particular are with those what have been affected by those disasters and I hope that the dawn of a new year provides us an opportunity for regeneration and healing.

This event provides a wonderful opportunity to recognize the Chinese-Australian community’s significant contribution to Australia’s economic and cultural achievements. The community has also played an important role in helping to build and maintain Australia’s strong and vibrant relationship with China. My trip to China was a successful visit that has paved the way for China and Australia to commence negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement. I see this as the natural next step in the evolution of our rapidly expanding trade and economic partnership, as well as our close people-to-people links.

The Australian Government firmly believes in a modern, vital and diverse Australia in which all people have the freedom to express and share their cultural values. The genuine commitment of all Australians to a nation united by tolerance, mutual respect and care for others, enriched by our linguistic and cultural differences, continues to support and strengthen this country, The contribution of the Chinese Australian community to these principles and to Australia’s economic and social development has been considerable and is greatly appreciated. The spirit of cooperation shown by this event augurs well for our nation as we look forward to the New Year.

Janette and I wish all those attending 2006 Global Chinese New Year Gala an enjoyable evening and peaceful and happy New Year

John Howard

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