Greeting: First Minister Alex Salmond meets Chinese Vice-Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing. Pic: © Don Yap.
First Minister Alex Salmond has extended his "good wishes" to China ahead of the country's New Year celebrations.
The Chinese Year of the Dragon begins on Monday, with 15 days of celebrations to follow.
In his New Year message, Mr Salmond said: "As we enter the Year of the Dragon — not a symbol to be feared but instead one of good luck — it was my own great fortune to meet Premier Wen (Jiabao) last week at a world summit I attended in Abu Dhabi.
"I extended to him the good wishes of the people of Scotland and expressed that we look to see the relationship between our nations grow in the coming year.
"We have certainly seen our friendship grow from strength to strength in the past year."
Last month, Mr Salmond paid his third visit to the country in as many years, in a bid to build trade and cultural links. He said it was a "huge success".
At the end of his trip, Mr Salmond announced a business forum would be set up to encourage more introductions between Chinese and Scottish companies, held alternately in the two countries. The plan was discussed with vice-minister Chen Jian at the Ministry of Commerce in Beijing.
He also said that Scottish-owned firm Quality Qualifications International (QQI) had struck a deal to train the next generation of oil and gas workers from China.
It is the second energy partnership with Shandong province, following an announcement that the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney will work with the Ocean University of China on wave test facilities.
The possibility of a direct air link between Scotland and China will also be explored, as will potential infrastructure investment from sovereign wealth fund China Investment Corporation.
The first minister's visit coincided with the arrival of two giant pandas at Edinburgh Zoo, on loan from China for 10 years.
Mr Salmond said: "I had the opportunity to once again visit China in December. And as I arrived in China the two giant pandas, Tian Tian and Yang Guang, arrived to a warm welcome in Scotland. This symbol of our great and growing friendship was broadcast across the world.
"My visit highlighted to me the growing friendship between our nations and as we move into the Year of the Dragon, meaning strong, proud, pioneering and loyal, I am sure that friendship will grow further in the year ahead.
"I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all good fortune and a happy new year."
