The vast and quiet Mississippi River is located in the city of Muscatine, the "City of Pearls" in Iowa, USA.

A letter from an "old friend" in China once again brought warmth here.

　　Recently, President Xi Jinping wrote a letter to Ms. Sarah Randy, a friend in Iowa, the United States, encouraging Ms. Randy and her old friends in Iowa to continue to sow the seeds of friendship and make new contributions to the friendship between the two peoples.

　　In his living room, Randy carefully looked at the photos of his reunion with Xi Jinping here in 2012, recalled to the Xinhua News Agency reporter Xi Jinping's precious friendship with old friends, and hoped that the two countries would continue to deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges and enhance understanding and mutual trust.

　　In his reply letter to Randy, President Xi Jinping pointed out that I visited the beautiful state of Iowa twice and forged an indissoluble bond with the city of Muscatine.

The Chinese and American peoples are great peoples, and people-to-people friendship is not only a valuable asset, but also provides an important foundation for the development of bilateral relations.

The Chinese people are willing to continue to work with the American people to strengthen friendly exchanges, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and jointly promote the well-being of the two peoples.

　　Looking back on the 37 years of friendship, Randy was deeply impressed by Xi Jinping's remarks.

She recalled that Xi's answer to why he revisited Iowa in 2012 was, "To me, you are America."

This remark moved everyone present.

　　Indeed, "old friend" was the key word in people's mouths during Muscatine's interview.

　　"President Xi and I hit it off!" The spirited Randy told reporters about the first meeting with Xi Jinping 37 years ago, and clapped his hands excitedly as he spoke.

In 1985, she received Xi Jinping, then Secretary of the Hebei Zhengding County Party Committee, to visit Muscatine.

　　Landi said that in the 1980s, the door of US-China exchanges had just opened.

She and the residents of Muscatine were very excited when they learned that they were going to receive the delegation led by Xi Jinping. They worked hard to prepare for the reception. They spontaneously prepared a welcome lunch for the delegation and arranged for the delegation to stay in the homes of local residents.

　　"He always has a smile on his face, and he is very happy to use the knowledge he has learned to serve his country." Randy talked about his impression of Xi Jinping at that time with a smile, as if he was back when they first met .

"He visited universities and farms and was very willing to introduce China to us."

　　Randy recalled that according to local traditions, Muscatine residents prepared a specialty dish to entertain Chinese guests from afar. Xi Jinping tasted everyone's homemade brownies.

He was funny and caring, and quickly brought them closer together.

In May 2022, Randy was interviewed by Xinhua News Agency reporters at home

　　After a lapse of 27 years, on February 15, 2012, Xi Jinping, then Chinese Vice President, came to Randy's house again during his visit to the United States to catch up with old friends.

　　Sitting on the sofa where Xi Jinping sat ten years ago, Randy recalled that on December 8, 2011, then-Iowa Governor Branstad called her to inform her of Xi Jinping's upcoming visit.

"We were overjoyed to hear that he was coming."

　　Randy said that the moment Xi Jinping walked into the living room, the whole room was boiling.

"He still remembers everything that happened back then and had endless conversations with old friends. We have so many memories to relive."

　　In 2018, the memoir "Old Friends: The Story of Xi Jinping and Iowa" written by Randy was officially published.

This memoir tells the story of Xi Jinping's interactions with local friends, and provides inspiration for US-China cultural exchanges.

　　In April this year, Randy sent a letter to President Xi Jinping, thanking President Xi for his precious friendship to the old friend, and hoped that the two countries would continue to deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges and enhance understanding and mutual trust.

　　In a wooden box made of Iowa walnut, she also presented the memoir to President Xi Jinping in a letter.

Randy's memoir "Old Friends: The Story of Xi Jinping and Iowa"

　　"Why do we and Xi Jinping become friends?" Randy said. "When people have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of each other's cultures through constant visits, this friendship will continue." She hopes that the people of the United States and China can strengthen People-to-people and cultural exchanges, building a bridge of friendship.

　　Randy expects the two countries to continue to deepen exchanges in the fields of agriculture, environmental protection and basic education.

"The world needs U.S.-China cooperation, and I believe the U.S. and China can overcome many difficulties," she said.

　　Randy said mutual respect and learning are "the key to the friendship between Xi Jinping and us."

"Even though the relationship between the two countries is going through fluctuations, we still welcome you, trust you, and want to know more about you, which is the foundation of our friendship."

"Sino-American Friendship House" in Muscatine, Iowa, USA.

　　Not far from Randy's house, the residence where Xi Jinping stayed in 1985 has been named the "China-US Friendship House", becoming the first memorial hall in the United States with the theme of China-US friendship.

A group photo of Xi Jinping and his American friends hangs on the wall, and everyone in the photo has a bright smile on their face.

　　In September 2015, when President Xi Jinping visited the United States, he emphasized that he hoped that the youths of the two countries would strengthen exchanges, enhance friendship, and continue to contribute to the building of China-US relations.

　　Not long ago, Randy signed a cooperation agreement on behalf of Muscatine City to fund local students to study in China with donations from Chinese companies.

She looks forward to writing more new stories in the book of friendship between the two countries.

　　In the summer of 6 years ago, the Muscatine Youth Choir went to China to participate in the China International Choir Festival.

In the soothing piano sound, a song "Love Keeps Eternal Memory" sings the inheritance of friendship: "Unforgettable kind smile, unforgettable warm words. You will never forget the experience of the small town. Now you are back to your hometown. , the town is full of laughter. Friends look forward to meeting, people long for friendship.”

　　The seeds of friendship sown by Xi Jinping himself are taking root and bearing fruit.

　　-END-

　　Producer: Yuan Bingzhong

　　Producer: Feng Junyang

　　Coordination: Xie Peng Qi Zijian Yan Junyan

　　Reporter: Yan Liang, Deng Xian, Xu Yuan, Xie E

　　Photography: Lan Hongguang

　　Editor: Sun Haocheng Heavy Rain Jin Zheng Wang Fengfeng Chen Shanweiwei Wang Xiaomei Liu Xianglin Xiaochun Tianyu

　　Vision: Kim Jong

　　Produced by Xinhua News Agency International Department

　　Produced by Xinhua News Agency's International Communication Integration Platform