LONDON -- As the Chinese lunar New Year is approaching, British Prime Minister David Cameron has sent his new year greetings to people all around the world celebrating this festival, saying the new year would be a truly golden one for the two countries.

"At this joyous time we can reflect on the past 12 months and look forward with great excitement to the next. This Chinese New Year can be a truly golden one for Britain and China," Cameron said in his Chinese New Year message.

"Our economic relationship goes from strength to strength. Chinese culture, food, technology and clothing have long been a big part of our lives in Britain, but this is now working both ways with British goods, services and arts becoming firm favourites in China," he said.

He said Britain's specialist skills and expertise helped the development of China, while Chinese investment helped improve Britain as well. Britain's infrastructure has been made stronger thanks to Chinese business people, and universities in Britain have benefited from the tens of thousands of Chinese students who study here.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the British Chinese community for everything they have done for the United Kingdom. From the enormous contributions in culture, communities, businesses and public services you have enriched our country in so many ways," he said, adding "wherever you are, let me wish you the very best health and happiness."

Home Secretary Theresa May also expressed her wishes to the Year of Sheep, saying Britain has been expanding its visa service in China, which is enabling business people and tourists to travel to Britain more quickly and easily.

"At Chinese New Year, I want to recognise the huge contribution that Chinese communities make to Britain in fields including business, science and culture. These contributors reflect the Chinese values of hard work and enterprise - value that we share, and work to support," she said.