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The New Year 'is an opportunity to reaffirm the bonds of mutual respect and mutual interest that unite us across borders and cultures, and recommit to working together to ensure the year ahead brings progress on the many shared challenges we face,' Mrs Clinton (above) said. -- PHOTO: AFP

WASHINGTON - US SECRETARY of State Hillary Clinton offered 'warm wishes' on Sunday to people around the world celebrating the Lunar New Year.

'People on every continent will mark this occasion with rich and varied traditions, ushering in a new year of promise and possibility. In the United States, millions of Asian-Americans will gather with friends and family to welcome the Year of the Tiger and honour their vibrant heritage,' Mrs Clinton said.

The top US diplomat is currently on a whirlwind tour of the Middle East, taking in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, but released the statement through her spokesman in Washington.

The New Year 'is an opportunity to reaffirm the bonds of mutual respect and mutual interest that unite us across borders and cultures, and recommit to working together to ensure the year ahead brings progress on the many shared challenges we face,' Mrs Clinton said.

From Beijing to Sydney, Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City to Pyongyang, fireworks, lion dances and prayers for good fortune ushered in the Year of the Tiger on Sunday. -- AFP

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