BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping and Fijian President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu on Wednesday exchanged congratulatory messages on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

In the message, Xi noted that Fiji is the first Pacific island country to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China.

He added that since the establishment of diplomatic ties half a century ago, the two countries have always respected each other, treated each other as equals and pursued win-win cooperation, supporting each other in pursuing development paths suited to their respective national conditions, regardless of changes in the international landscape.

In recent years, both sides have achieved fruitful results in jointly advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, bringing benefits to their peoples, and making the friendship between the two nations ever more heartfelt, Xi said.

Xi emphasized that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Fiji relations and stands ready to work with President Lalabalavu to take the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to strengthen political mutual trust, expand cooperation across various fields, and elevate the China-Fiji comprehensive strategic partnership to a higher level.

For his part, Lalabalavu said that the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Fiji and China is an important milestone in the relationship between the two countries.

Based on mutual respect, common interests and a shared vision for peace and prosperity, the two countries have established a comprehensive strategic partnership, he noted, adding that cooperation continues to expand, making an important contribution to addressing regional and international challenges.

He believes that the development of Fiji-China relations will further deepen, become more vibrant and have even broader prospects, he added.

On the same day, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka exchanged congratulatory messages.

The Chinese side attaches great importance to the development of China-Fiji relations and is willing to work together with Fiji to take the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to expand and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and to continuously advance the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Fiji, Li said.

For his part, Rabuka said that the Fijian side values its comprehensive strategic partnership with China, and bilateral cooperation in various fields continues to bring tangible benefits to both peoples.

Fiji looks forward to working closely with China to deepen the partnership based on mutual respect, long-lasting friendship and shared development, he added.