Hillary Clinton celebrates Chinese lunar New Year

WASHINGTON, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton celebrated lunar New Year on Sunday, wishing peace, prosperity and health to everyone around the world who celebrates the traditional Chinese festival.

Clinton, who is on a three-day tour to Qatar and Saudi Arabia, said in a statement that people on every continent mark this occasion, "ushering in a new year of promise and possibility."

She said in the United States, millions of Asian-Americans will gather with friends and family to welcome the Year of the Tiger and honor their vibrant heritage.

Clinton also stated in her message that the festival offers an opportunity to "reaffirm the bonds of mutual respect and mutual interest that unite us across borders and cultures, and recommit to working together to ensure the year ahead brings progress on the many shared challenges we face."

Sunday marks the first day of the Chinese lunar New Year. The new year is the Year of the Tiger, according to Chinese tradition.