Leaders laud 50 years of Sino-Argentine diplomatic ties

China and Argentina, which observers said have set an example of solidarity and cooperation among developing nations, have vowed to further promote their comprehensive strategic partnership as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

President Xi Jinping and Argentine President Alberto Fernandez exchanged congratulations on Saturday on the anniversary, with both leaders pledging to bring bilateral ties to a new stage.

In his congratulatory message to his Argentine counterpart, Xi said China-Argentina friendly exchanges enjoy a long history. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties half a century ago, bilateral relations have seen remarkable progress, with cooperation intensifying in various fields, he added.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the people of the two countries have stood together and helped each other, writing a new chapter in the Sino-Argentine friendship, Xi said.

He spoke of the meeting between him and Fernandez when the Argentine leader attended the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics earlier this month, saying they have drawn up a blueprint for the development of bilateral relations.

Noting that they both announced the launch of the 2022 Year of China-Argentina Friendship and Cooperation during that meeting, Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of bilateral relations, and stands ready to work with Fernandez to lift bilateral cooperation to a new level in order to benefit the two countries and their people.

Fernandez said in his message that on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, he would like to express the joy of the Argentine people to Xi and the brotherly Chinese people.

The Argentine government and people sincerely appreciate China's assistance during their toughest times in the fight against the pandemic, Fernandez said, adding that he would like to work with Xi to promote bilateral cooperation and further consolidate the friendship between the two governments and two peoples.

China-Argentina cooperation has been deepening in various fields over the years, with bilateral trade rising from $6 million in 1972 to $18 billion in 2021, a 3,000-fold increase.

The two countries support each other on issues concerning each other's sovereignty, security and core development interests and major concerns.

"China supports Argentina's legitimate claim to fully exercise sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands. Argentina has always adhered to the one-China principle," said Zou Xiaoli, Chinese ambassador to Argentina, in an article provided to China Daily. "Both China and Argentina stand for multilateralism and promote democracy in international relations."