Celebrating Chinese New Year could help mend China and Canada's relationship

I usually mark the arrival of Spring Festival by writing an article sharing the joy of the occasion with my Chinese family and friends. I like to extend my best wishes of a happy Chinese New Year to Chinese people worldwide.

This year I was apprehensive doing so because China and Canada's relationship is going through a rough patch, strained as a result of unfortunate incidents in both countries.

The detention of the Chinese CFO Of Huawei in Canada and two Canadians in China has led to a rift in relations between both sides.

My love for both countries prompted me to go ahead and write the article, hoping that it reminds Canadians and Chinese of their historical bond and the importance of maintaining balance in our chaotic world.

Writing the article also made me believe that the current situation is temporary and all issues will be resolved soon.

China and Canada have established a relationship based on respect for each other's sovereignty and the refusal to interfere in their counterpart's internal affairs. This relationship is crucial to sustaining development and achieving prosperity in both nations' economies.

China and Canada share the desire of pursuing peaceful missions in conflict areas across the world. Their mutual collaboration is essential to the survival of the world economy, including those of their own.

I am a patriotic Canadian who is fond of China and its people. I believe that a solid relationship between China and Canada will benefit the citizens of both countries.

Canadian experts share their knowledge with Chinese students in cities across China, while Chinese-Canadians are an integral part of Canadian society who play an essential role in maintaining the Canadian economy.

To return to the main focus of my article, I encourage all Canadians and Canadian expats in China to share the joys of Spring Festival with their Chinese counterparts, in the hope that the event's generous and forgiving spirit will help clear misunderstanding and mend the rift between the two nations.

If you are a Canadian who has Chinese friends, colleagues or neighbors, seize the opportunity of having free time to pay them a visit. As for Chinese people, invite your Canadian friends and acquaintances to share a Chinese meal or drink to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

For Canadian expats in China, go out and enjoy the festivities run by Chinese organizations. You may discover that the Chinese are nice people who will become good friends to you and your family.

As for Chinese everywhere, from the bottom of my heart, I wish you a happy Chinese New Year – "xīn nián kuài lè". May the Year of the Pig bring everyone enjoy excellent health, and the chance to achieve and experience ultimate happiness.

May the relationship between China and Canada remain solid and may we see peace and prosperity across our planet.

Sava Hassan is a Canadian Egyptian educator.

The opinions expressed here are those of the writer and do not represent the views of China Daily and China Daily website.