Foreign and Commonwealth Office
The Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond said:
I would like to wish a very happy Lunar New Year to all those celebrating around the world, and in the UK.
As we celebrate the arrival of the New Year, we should also reflect on our achievements in 2015 where, as was fitting for the Year of the Sheep, strong relationships played an important role and there were a number of successful visits to the Asia-Pacific region by the Prime Minister, myself, several Ministerial colleagues, and the Royal family. Together we have worked to tackle some of the most challenging economic and security issues facing the world, improved our policy cooperation in areas such as energy, science and innovation and healthcare, and coordinated our work to prevent conflict in fragile states.
In the spirit of the Year of the Monkey, with its connection to creativity and wisdom, I look forward to growing engagement that can lead to greater understanding, cooperation and innovation between our communities. As more of us visit, study and do business together over the coming year, I hope that our appreciation of each others cultures will continue to grow and deepen.
Wherever you may be, I wish you a successful, peaceful and prosperous Year of the Monkey.
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