Moldovan ambassador talks China ties, upcoming Olympics

Q: According to reports, Moldova will send athletes to participate in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. What are your expectations for the coming Winter Olympics in general and the performance of the Moldovan team? Will you watch the Games? What's your favorite Winter Olympic sport? What do you want to say to athletes participating in the Games?

Dumitru Braghis: First of all, congratulations for the opening of the Beijing Winter Olympics very soon! Hosting the Olympic Games is something many cities can only dream about. Beijing, however, is one of the lucky ones, as it will be hosting the Olympics for the second time. We all remember the 2008 Summer Olympics and the opening and the closing ceremonies. I am sure both shows will again impress the world.

The Republic of Moldova is sending a delegation of 10 to attend the Games, and I am looking forward to seeing the athletes perform, as a symbolic celebration of Moldova and China's friendship through sport.

I will sure watch the Games, as I am a big fan of winter sports, with ice hockey and figure skating being my favorites. I will also attend the opening and the closing ceremonies of the Games, and I am thrilled to have this unique experience. And of course, I will closely watch our athletes' performances and I hope they will make the Republic of Moldova proud!

As for losing or winning, I will quote Pierre de Coubertin: "The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part, as the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well". I wish all the athletes remarkable achievements and unforgettable memories.

Q: What do you want to say to people for the coming Chinese New Year?

With the approach of the Year of the Tiger and the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, I am confident 2022 will be an auspicious year for China, and for the world. I look forward to closer cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and China in the coming year, and for the many years and generations to come.

Xin nian kuai le! Hu hu sheng wei!