Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Argentine counterpart Nestor Kirchner on February 19 exchanged messages of congratulations on the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In his message, Hu said bilateral relations have developed steadily since China and Argentina established diplomatic ties 35 years ago. The two sides have conducted frequent exchanges at all levels, with their mutual understanding and friendship deepened, the two-way trade volume continuously increasing, and their mutually beneficial cooperation yielding remarkable fruits, he said. Both sides have expanded their exchanges and cooperation in the areas of culture, education, science, technology and tourism and supported and coordinated with each other on multilateral affairs and major issues of mutual concern. Hu added that the establishment of the China-Argentina strategic partnership, which has injected fresh vitality into the development of bilateral ties, is of great significance to advancing South-South cooperation and facilitating the construction of a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity. China is willing to make concerted efforts with Argentina to further implement the consensus reached between both sides, expand friendly exchanges in various fields, and enrich mutually beneficial cooperation to push their strategic partnership to a new height, said the Chinese president.

Kirchner said in his message that China currently constitutes a crucial factor in the development of history. Since the two heads of state exchanged visits in 2004, bilateral cooperation in all fields has been strengthened continuously and has made concrete and important progress. Argentina attaches great importance to the development of its friendly relations with China and hopes to strengthen cooperation with the Asian country and realize common development based on the principles of safeguarding international peace and security, all nations' equality before law, territorial integrity, and improving people's livelihood that are upheld by both sides, he said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship Jorge Taiana also exchanged messages of congratulations on the same day.