VALLETTA, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- People in Malta have been greeting China with sincere "triple wishes" for the Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival which will start on Feb. 1; the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Malta, which will be marked on Jan. 31; and the opening of the Beijing Winter Olympic Games in Beijing on Feb. 4.
"I wish China, the Chinese people and of course myself health and prosperity," said Mario Azoppardi, cultural director of Malta's Ministry of National Heritage, Arts and Local Government.
Azoppardi, who has already visited China twice, said he expected the political, economic and cultural relations between the two countries to continue to develop.
He also said he wanted to continue to explore the richness of China. "China always helps Malta when we are in need. A case in point is its recent assistance to Malta's health sector," he added.
Azoppardi said he expected the Beijing Winter Olympics to show that sport is "the key for friendship between nations" and that China will showcase the most technologically advanced sports facilities. "That will be a celebration of the best sportsmanship."
Kenneth Spiteri, chairman of the Mediterranean Conference Center (MCC) of Malta, which operates the country's largest theater, said he strongly believed that "health is wealth" and wished the Chinese and Maltese peoples a healthy "Year of the Tiger."
Spiteri, who has also visited China many times, shared his belief that "we are obliged to strengthen our relationship and to move up the ladder with more cooperation and exchanges, whereby we can share our experiences and expertise for the good of our countries."
Each of his visits was an eye-opening experience for him both in terms of culture and hospitality, which has influenced him and enriched his personality, he told Xinhua.
Spiteri said he was looking forward to the Beijing Winter Olympics and wished the Games success. The, Olympic Games, he said, always offer the host country a premium opportunity to invest in sports facilities, promote the various sports and encourage people to participate.
Maltese writer Fiona Vella has also been to China twice and said she was looking forward to another visit to see how the country has progressed.
"My wish for China and for the Chinese people in the coming new year is to be like the tiger and to have the best health, particularly in this period of the pandemic," Vella told Xinhua.
She said she was proud of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.
The past half a century has brought the two peoples closer together and has witness several significant cooperation projects, Vella said, adding that she wished to see more people-to-people exchanges.
She said that the Chinese people are known for their generous hospitality and for their ability to organize events. Accordingly, she said she was certain that all the athletes taking part in the Beijing Winter Olympics would have a great time.
Gino Dalcielo is an enthusiast of traditional Chinese martial arts. He is a founder of a martial arts school in Malta. He said that the "Year of the Tiger" should be very productive for China and its people.
"China sets an example of hard work and unity. Moreover, it is always ready to help and assist friends in need, and gives the world a good example by putting people first," Dalcielo said.
Dalcielo said he wished to be in Beijing to attend the Winter Olympics. "It will no doubt be a success. China has always proven itself to be a great organizer of spectacular events, such as this one. No doubt it will be remembered forever." ■