President Xi Jinping called on China and Papua New Guinea to carry forward their traditional friendship and strengthen cooperation across various sectors as the two countries marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations on Monday.

In an exchange of congratulatory messages with Bob Dadae, governor-general of PNG, Xi described the country as China's good friend, good partner and good brother in the Pacific island region.

Over the past half-century, the two countries have deepened political mutual trust, achieved fruitful results in mutually beneficial cooperation and expanded people-to-people exchanges, raising bilateral relations to new heights, Xi said.

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The substantial progress in bilateral relations has benefited both peoples and given strong impetus to building a community with a shared future between China and Pacific island countries, he added.

Xi said that he attaches great importance to relations with PNG and stands ready to work with Dadae to take the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to carry forward the traditional friendship, strengthen exchanges and cooperation across various fields, and elevate their comprehensive strategic partnership, in order to deliver greater benefits to both peoples.

Dadae said PNG's relations with China have made substantial progress over the past 50 years, benefiting both countries and their peoples. PNG cherishes its longstanding friendship with China, firmly adheres to the one-China principle and looks forward to further deepening bilateral ties, he said.

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Premier Li Qiang also exchanged congratulatory messages with PNG's Prime Minister James Marape on Monday.

Li said China is ready to work with PNG to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and further develop their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Marape expressed his government's appreciation for China's significant contributions to PNG's economic and social development. He said his country will maintain its long-standing commitment to the one-China principle, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with China across all fields and further advance their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Contact the writers at mojingxi@chinadaily.com.cn