BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday exchanged congratulations with Angolan President Joao Lourenco on the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Xi pointed out in his message that since the establishment of diplomatic ties 40 years ago, China and Angola have always been sincere and friendly towards each other, worked hand in hand, and understood and supported each other on issues involving their respective core interests and major concerns.

Xi said he stands ready to work with Lourenco to take the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to deepen political mutual trust, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, enhance people-to-people friendship and write a new chapter in the robust development of the China-Angola strategic partnership

At present, China-Angola relations enjoy a sound development momentum, and bilateral cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results, bringing tangible benefits to the people of the two countries, Xi noted.

READ MORE: China, Turkmenistan elevate ties to strategic partnership

Noting that he highly values the development of bilateral relations, Xi said he stands ready to work with Lourenco to take the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to deepen political mutual trust, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, enhance people-to-people friendship and write a new chapter in the robust development of the China-Angola strategic partnership.

READ MORE: Chinese, Czech presidents hold virtual meeting

For his part, Lourenco said since the establishment of bilateral ties, Angola-China relations have seen continuous development, and mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields has scored major achievements with satisfactory results.

ALSO READ: Xi hails Antigua and Barbuda ties

Noting the two countries agree with each other on many international issues, he said Angola is willing to strengthen friendly and cooperative relations with China, build a shared win-win future, as well as achieve common progress, prosperity and development, so as to bring more benefits to the people of the two countries. 

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang also exchanged congratulatory messages on the same day with his Angolan counterpart Tete Antonio.

Qin said in recent years, under the personal care and guidance of the two heads of state, the two sides have strengthened political mutual trust, made solid progress in practical cooperation and achieved fruitful results in the joint fight against COVID-19, bringing tangible benefits to their people.

READ MORE: Qin: China remains committed to global peace, development

Standing at a new historical starting point, Qin said he is ready to work with Antonio to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state and the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, so as to push for new progress in the China-Angola strategic partnership.

For his part, Antonio said China, in particular, has provided valuable support for Angola in the areas of health, infrastructure construction and personnel training, which demonstrates their sound relations. 

The Angolan diplomat said he stands ready to work with Qin to further consolidate the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries.