Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Argentine counterpart Nestor Kirchner on Monday exchanged congratulations on the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In his message, Hu said bilateral relations have developed steadily since China and Argentina established diplomatic ties 35 years ago.

The two sides have conducted frequent exchanges at all levels, with their mutual understanding and friendship deepened, the two-way trade volume continuously increasing, and their mutually-beneficial cooperation yielding remarkable fruits, he said.

Hu added that the establishment of the China-Argentina strategic partnership, which has injected fresh vitality into the development of bilateral ties, is of great significance for advancing South-South cooperation and facilitating the construction of a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity.

China is willing to make concerted efforts with Argentina to expand friendly exchanges in various fields to push their strategic partnership to a new height, said the Chinese president.

Kirchner said in his message that Argentina attaches great importance to the development of its relations with China.

Argentina hopes to strengthen cooperation with the Asian country and realize common development based on the policy of safeguarding international peace and security, all nations' equality before law, territorial integrity, and improving people's well-being, he said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and his Argentine counterpart Jorge Taiana also exchanged messages of congratulations on the same day.

Source: Xinhua