BEIJING, May 6 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and leaders of the European Union (EU) exchanged congratulatory messages Wednesday to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the EU.

In his message to European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, Xi said that thanks to joint efforts from both sides, China-EU relations have made considerable progress since the establishment of diplomatic ties 40 years ago.

China and the EU have kept broadening consensus on safeguarding world peace and promoting common development, with the depth and breadth of their cooperation continuously increasing, he said, adding that the bilateral ties are of growing strategic significance and have become one of the most important relationships in the world.

It is in the interests of the two peoples for China and the EU to build a partnership of peace, growth, reform and civilization, which will also help boost peace and development for mankind, he said.

China attaches great importance to its relations with the EU and is willing to work with EU leaders and use the anniversary as an opportunity to enhance the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, Xi added.

Tusk said in his message that over the past four decades, EU-China relations have witnessed continuous development and remarkable achievements, which have promoted peace and prosperity and boosted close exchanges between the two peoples.

He hoped that European nations and China, as well as their peoples, would continue to achieve success along the path of development for the EU-China relations, so as to lift their comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights.

Juncker said EU-China relations have achieved enormous development in such fields as politics, economy and culture, adding that the EU is committed to pushing forward its comprehensive strategic partnership with China.

The EU is looking forward to working with China to jointly promote peace, prosperity and sustainable development, so as to benefit the two sides and the whole world.