BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping and Samoa's Head of State Tuimaleali'ifano Va'aletoa Sualauvi II on Thursday exchanged congratulations over the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

In his message, Xi said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations half a century ago, China and Samoa, with a long history of friendly exchanges, have always practiced mutual respect and treated each other as equals, firmly supported each other in safeguarding national independence and sovereignty, steadily deepened political mutual trust, achieved fruitful results in mutually beneficial cooperation, and expanded people-to-people exchanges, thereby enhancing the well-being of their peoples.

Xi said that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Samoa relations and is willing to work together with Tuimaleali'ifano to take the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to carry forward the traditional friendship and deepen practical cooperation so as to write a new chapter in the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Samoa.

In his message, Tuimaleali'ifano said that, over the past 50 years, bilateral ties have continued to forge ahead, and friendly cooperation between the two countries has steadily expanded.

He said that Samoa sincerely appreciates China's long-standing respect for its sovereignty and independence, as well as China's valuable support for Samoa's sustainable economic and social development.

He voiced confidence that Samoa-China relations will reach new heights and the friendship between the two peoples will be further deepened, thereby contributing to a more prosperous and peaceful future for both countries.

Also on Thursday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Samoan Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt exchanged congratulatory messages.

Li said that China attaches great importance to the development of China-Samoa relations and is willing to work together with Samoa to take the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to expand practical cooperation across various fields and advance the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Samoa.

Laaulialemalietoa said that the 50th anniversary marks an important milestone in bilateral relations and that Samoa is willing to work together with China to deepen the partnership, lift bilateral ties to new heights, and deliver more benefits to the two peoples.