In association with the Chinese embassy in Fiji and the China Cultural Center in Fiji, Post Fiji Limited launched its monkey-themed stamps and first day cover on Wednesday, marking the Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Chinese New Year.
Designed by Chinese sculptor Xu Hongfei, the set of 2016 the Year of the Monkey stamps comprises four stamps, with denominations ranging from 38 Fiji cents (18 U.S. cents) to 10 Fiji dollars (4.8 U.S. dollars).
In the four stamps, there are respectively four different species of Chinese monkeys, together with Fijian plants, which represent the natural and ecological beauty of the Pacific island nation.
"The designing of the stamps integrates the cultural elements of both China and Fiji. It embodies both Chinese art style and distinctive Fijian characteristics, which demonstrates the ever-increasing cultural connection and people-to-people exchanges between our two countries," Chinese Ambassador Zhang Ping said. "It symbolizes the deep friendship that exists between our two peoples."
The Lunar New Year monkey stamps were released on March 30, but the official launch was deferred due to all stakeholders' commitment to business and economic restoration after Tropical Cyclone Winston ravaged Fiji, according to Post Fiji Limited Chairman Lawrence Tikaram.
The launch marks the combination of two nations coming together, and shows the friendship and deep bond that exist among Fijians and Chinese, he said.
"Post Fiji's lunching of the Lunar stamps signifies that friendship and brilliant thing that has come about through the Year of the Monkey. And we launch the stamps with great and humble gratitude to the people of China and the people of China's origin in Fiji to mark the friendship," Tikaram told Xinhua.
The monkey stamps have set a good example of cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and Fiji, said China Cultural Center in Fiji Director Deng Xianfu.
"The China Cultural Center in Fiji will make every effort in promoting the long-term cultural exchange and cooperation, and will explore more channels for and provide support to the cultural exchange and cooperation between the two countries," said Deng.
