European Parliament (EP) President Josep Borrell Fontelles sent his new-year greetings to the Chinese people Wednesday on the eve of Chinese lunar new year, the Spring Festival.

When receiving Wang Jiarui, head of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC), Borrell voiced the first-ever greetings sent by the EP representatives.

"The peoples of Europe see with delight China finding its way into development and prosperity, contributing to economic growth in the whole world," he said.

"We wish from the heart that in this new year you succeed in bringing this new wealth to all regions of your beautiful country and ensuring a safe and beautiful environment for you and your children," the EP president said.

"May 2005, the Year of the Rooster, bring to Europeans new Chinese friends and to many Chinese new European Friends," he added.

According to Borrell's spokesman, Borrell elected as the EP head last July will visit China during his term of two years and half.

A CPC delegation led by Wang Jiarui left Beijing on Jan. 17 for a goodwill visit to Italy, Germany and the European Parliament.