Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf on Friday extended congratulations for the Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival.

"On this wonderful occasion celebrating the Chinese Spring Festival which marks the beginning of the Chinese Lunar Year, I am immensely pleased to say BAINIAN (wish someone Happy New Year)," said Sirleaf in the letter of congratulations sent to the Chinese embassy in Monrovia.

"While congratulating you on making it through 2007 and wishing you a prosperous 2008, the people of Liberia would also like to thank you for the contributions you have made to our post-conflict development agenda," she said.

Liberia is "particularly grateful for the contributions of Chinese peacekeepers, aid workers and construction workers who add value to our rebuilding efforts, laying the foundation for peace, security and economic renewal," the president said.

"We welcome your friendship and cooperation, and pray for continued peace, happiness and prosperity and the further strengthening of cordial ties between our two countries," she said.

The Chinese Lunar New Year this year is to start on February 7.

(Xinhua News Agency February 2, 2008)