Chinese, Icelandic presidents exchange congratulatory messages on anniversary of diplomatic ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Icelandic counterpart, Gudni Johannesson, exchanged congratulatory messages Thursday to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

In his message, Xi said that bilateral relations have advanced with times and remained vibrant over the past 45 years since China and Iceland established diplomatic relations.

Iceland is the first European country that has signed a free trade agreement with China. With joint efforts from both sides, China-Iceland cooperation in various fields are continuously deepening with fruitful achievements, Xi said.

Xi noted that China attaches great importance to developing friendly relations with Iceland and stands ready to work with Iceland to continuously deepen the traditional friendship and pragmatic cooperation between the two countries, so as to further benefit the two peoples.

For his part, Johannesson said in his message that the friendship between Iceland and China has developed continuously and steadily over the past decades, with close cooperation in various fields. The two countries' friendly and equal exchanges and cooperation are commendable and exemplary.

On behalf of the Icelandic people, Johannesson extended the best wishes to China and hoped that cooperation between the two countries will continue to be strengthened in the future. Endi