Justin Trudeau gives Newroz message

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Soon after US President Barack Obama gave his annual Newroz message Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also sent his message to people marking the occasion. 

Beginning with the Persian saying "Har rozetan Newroz, newrozetan piroz," Trudeau wished "all Canadian celebrating Newroz a happy new year."
 
"Newroz marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the new year in the Persian calendar," Trudeau explained in a video published on Sunday before calling Newroz "an occasion for friends and family to come to gather and celebrate over the Haft sin table."

"It's also a chance for us to recognize the significant contributions and strong heritage of Canadians of Persian and central Asian background," he added.
 
Trudeau's predecessor, former Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper also sent a Newroz greeting to Kurds in 2012.

President Obama gave his Newroz message to people throughout the world on the eve of Sunday's holiday calling.