国内英语新闻:EU president congratulates Chinese people on lunar new year

BRUSSELS, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- The European Union's permanent President Herman Van Rompuy on Monday sent a message of congratulations to the Chinese people on the occasion of the Chinese Lunar New Year.

"Happy Chinese New Year!" Van Rompuy said. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the EU and China.

"We Europeans are happy that we have good relations," he said. "We are ready to develop them in a broad direction."

Van Rompuy, who has been to China twice, said he admires China' s culture, history and cuisine while the speed of China's development also impressed him.

As president of the European Council, Van Rompuy said he is looking forward to receiving the Chinese leaders in Brussels.

The relations between China and Europe not only consist of official contacts, but two peoples also have close ties while ever more students go from European universities to those in China, and vice versa, said the president.

"No doubt many Europeans will visit the Shanghai Expo 2010, where the European Union is present," he said.

"I hope that the year of the tiger will bring all of you harmony, prosperity and family happiness," the president added.