Chinese, Luxembourg leaders mark 40th anniversary of ties

Chinese President Hu Jintao on Friday exchanged congratulatory messages with Grand Duke of Luxembourg Henri to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Luxembourg.

In his message, Hu said over the past 40 years, the diplomatic ties between the two countries have gained substantial progress with joint efforts of both sides.

He said that on the basis of mutual respect and equality, the two countries have deepened political mutual trust, achieved fruitful results in economic and trade cooperation, and strengthened people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

The two countries have also maintained good communication and coordination on international and regional affairs, Hu said.

The long-term and stable development of the bilateral ties conforms to the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples, the Chinese president said, adding that China attaches great importance to the relations with Luxembourg.

On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the diplomatic ties, China is willing to work with Luxembourg to strengthen people-to-people exchanges at all levels, deepen practical cooperation in all fields, and promote the friendly relations to a new high.

For his part, Henri said China has witnessed a rapid economic growth with remarkable achievements, and the two countries have enjoyed constant development of diplomatic ties and closer communication and cooperation in recent years.

Henri said he sincerely hopes the relations between Luxembourg and China, established on mutual respect and trust, will benefit both peoples.

On Friday, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi also exchanged congratulatory messages with his Luxembourg counterpart Jean Asselborn.