Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Egyptian counterpart, Hosni Mubarak, on Tuesday exchanged congratulatory messages to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Hu said the ties forged between the two great nations 50 years ago opened a door for China to start friendly and cooperative relations with Egypt, Arabic and African countries.

Thanks to their joint efforts over the past half century, China and Egypt have conducted broad exchanges and cooperation in various fields, including politics, trade, culture, education and international affairs.

Together the two sides have made great achievements, Hu said, praising the relationship as an example among those between China, Arabic and African nations, and for those among developing countries.

Hu expressed full confidence in the Sino-Egyptian relationship and said he is willing to make joint efforts with Mubarak to deepen the traditional friendship, and expand bilateral strategic cooperation to break new ground in the 21st century.

In his message, Mubarak mentioned the long-standing friendship and communication between the two sides, and lauded the great headway they had made in all sectors.

Mubarak said the Egyptian government and people highly admire the remarkable achievements made by China, and are determined to keep strengthening the friendly relationship for the benefit of the two nations and their peoples.

On Tuesday, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing also sent congratulatory messages to Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Mahmoud Mohamed Nazef and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Ali Aboul (Abul) Gheit to mark the occasion.

China and Egypt established diplomatic relations on May 30, 1956.

Source: Xinhua