Former U.S. President Carter sends congratulation letter on China's National Day

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on Thursday sent a letter of congratulations to Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai on the occasion of China's National Day.

In this image from video, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter, seen in a photo as they speak on audio only, during the second night of the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020. [File Photo: Democratic National Convention via AP]

My wife "Rosalynn joins me in wishing you a joyous Chinese National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival," said Carter in the letter read out at a virtual reception and concert hosted by the Chinese embassy Thursday evening.

"During these trying times, it is important for us to still come together to celebrate, even if virtually. As we continue to encounter unprecedented challenges, events such as this will remain crucial in helping to improve U.S.-China relations," said Carter, who turned 96 on Thursday.

China's Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, falls on Oct. 1 this year. It is the second most important festival in China after the Chinese New Year and traditionally falls on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar.