The national postal service Poșta Moldovei, in partnership with the Chinese Embassy, launched a special series dedicated to the Chinese zodiac, consisting of a stamp and an envelope. The stamp depicts a dragon, the symbol of 2024.

The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Moldova, Yan Wenbin, declared at the launch event that the friendship, mutual understanding and cultural exchange between the two countries have reached a new level.

The ambassador noted that the Spring Festival and the Chinese zodiac are the distinctive elements of China’s unique ancient culture and customs. “Each year symbolizes one of the 12 zodiac animals, which form a continuous 12-year cycle and fully reflect people’s aspirations for a fulfilling life and the desire to live in harmony with nature. According to the lunar calendar, 2024 is the Year of the Dragon”, the diplomat said.q

In Chinese tradition, the dragon symbolizes well-being, strength, confidence, cheerfulness, energy and prosperity. “The stamps created by the Moldovan side perfectly convey the image and meaning of the dragon. I am confident that the first cooperation of this kind between the Chinese Embassy and Moldovan partners is very successful, opening another window for the Moldovan people to understand China. And I hope that this cooperation will continue in the future”, the diplomat added.

Violeta Cojocaru, acting manager of Poșta Moldovei, said that the stamp is issued in 25,000 copies and has a face value of 12 lei. The image of the dragon is created by the illustrator Vladimir Melnic. In countries such as France, Hungary, Poland or Estonia, postage stamps dedicated to the Chinese zodiac were also issued. The Republic of Moldova is at the first experience of this kind, but it intends to continue with the other zodiac signs as well, added Violeta Cojocaru.

“We need to promote this beautiful tradition of collecting stamps, of writing the history of a country, because I believe that issuing these postage stamps is writing a history, it is a book in which each tab shows us what events happened each year”, said the general director of the Public Property Agency, Roman Cojuhari.

Ministry of Culture secretary Ana Varzari said that this event will certainly open the doors to all those who want to know the history and culture of China, a country “with which we have a close friendship, strong economic relations and with which we want to strengthen cooperation in the field of culture as well.

Illustrator Vladimir Melnic, who created the image of the postal issue, said that this work is built on symbolism. The envelope contains the image of a cherry blossom, a traditional red Chinese lantern and red dragon.