Chinese, East Timorese leaders exchange congratulations on anniversary of diplomatic ties

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao on Sunday exchanged congratulations with his East Timorese counterpart Taur Matan Ruak to mark the 10th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

In his message, Hu said that as a newly-born country, East Timor has effectively safeguarded national peace and stability, set up and improved government framework, actively promoted economic development and strived for improvement in people's livelihood.

Since they established diplomatic relations 10 years ago, the two sides have respected each other, treated each other as equals and offered mutual help to promote common development, he said.

China attaches great importance to its good-neighborly ties with East Timor and will, as always, support its endeavor for nation building and development, he said.

China will continue to adhere to its foreign policy of being a good friend and partner with neighboring countries and work with East Timor to jointly carry forward their relations, the Chinese president said.

Ruak, for his part, said that China is assuming an increasingly influential position in the international arena.

As the sole Asian nation that serves as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China plays a constructive and responsible role in international affairs, he said.

East Timor and China have respected each other and their cooperation in various fields have been fruitful in the past decade, said Ruak, voicing his full confidence in the future development of bilateral ties.

Also on Sunday, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao exchanged congratulatory messages with East Timor Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao

In his message, Wen said that China-East Timor relations have served as a good example of equality and mutually beneficial cooperation among countries, big or small.

Historical facts have shown that friendly cooperation between the two nations is in the fundamental interests of both countries and peoples, he said.

Gusmao said that East Timor attaches great importance to its ties with China and China's development aid has made great contributions to his country.

Gusmao expressed the hope that the friendly links between the two nations will be further advanced and consolidated.