File Photo: U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson gives a press conference in Cairo, Egypt on Feb. 12, 2018. (Xinhua/Khaled ELFIQI)

WASHINGTON, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Wednesday extended good wishes to those celebrating the upcoming Lunar New Year.

Tillerson, who is on his Middle East visit, said in a statement that he hopes "the Year of the Dog will bring even greater success and opportunity for all."

"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I wish people around the world good health, peace, and prosperity on the occasion of the Lunar New Year on February 16, 2018," he said.

The U.S. top diplomat also urged the world to "endeavor to continue to foster closer cooperation, promote greater understanding, and build a better world for each other and for our children."