ZAGREB, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Croatian president Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic wished Chinese people "Happy New Year" here on Monday as she attended a New Year's Eve dinner in a renowned Chinese restaurant.

"It was wonderful to celebrate the Chinese New Year with Chinese friends here in Zagreb. I would like to wish Happy New Year to all the Chinese people in China and all over the world. Xin Nian Kuai Le," the president said, ending her greetings with Chinese words she just learned for "Happy New Year".

Croatia will host the summit between China and 16 Central and Eastern European countries in April. Grabar-Kitarovic said that she looked forward to it.

"I'm very happy that the program actually corresponds to my own initiative of the three seas, connecting the Baltic, the Adriatic and the Black Sea," said the president, mentioning the Three Seas Initiative that includes 12 EU members located between the Adriatic Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea. It aims to enhance regional cooperation and dialogue in various aspects.

According to owner of Asia Restaurant Chen Yinglie, who has been running the Chinese restaurant in Croatia for over two decades and invited many high-ranking officials and top leaders to the restaurant, this was the first time that Grabar-Kitarovic came as president.

"China and Croatia are friends. The president has come to celebrate Chinese New Year because she recognizes Chinese culture," said Chen.