UNITED NATIONS -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday sent a message to the Chinese people, wishing them a happy lunar new year, or a happy Spring Festival, which falls on Monday.

In a video message, Ban introduced himself and said "happy lunar new year" in Chinese.

"The Year of Monkey has come. I'm also a 'monkey'. Monkey implies intelligence, agility and good fortune. So, it's a good year full of hope and energy," said Ban.

Noting that this year is also the first year of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals, he said: "we wish to have a good start from the year of the lucky monkey."

He also thanked China and the Chinese people for supporting the work of the United Nations and himself in the past nine years.

"I hope we can all continue to work together towards a better future," Ban said.

The UN Chief wished the Chinese people "success in the year of Monkey" in Chinese.

The Spring Festival is the most important Chinese traditional holiday, highlighting family reunions and renewal of seasons.