国内英语新闻:Chinese, Cypriot leaders mark 40th anniversary of bilateral ties

BEIJING, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao on Wednesday exchanged congratulatory messages with Cypriot President Demetris Christofias on the 40th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.

In his message, Hu said bilateral ties between China and Cyprus have developed smoothly since they were established.

Political mutual trust has continued to deepen and the two countries understand each other and support each other's major concerns, he said, adding bilateral pragmatic cooperation has also been expanding continuously.

China highly values its relations with Cyprus and is ready to work with the country to deepen their traditional friendship, strengthen exchanges at various levels and enhance cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, culture and tourism, the Chinese president said.

Hu said China is also willing to maintain communication and coordination with Cyprus on international and regional affairs.

Christofias, for his part, said China and Cyprus have carried out close exchanges and cooperation, adding bilateral ties have been further strengthened through frequent high-level exchanges in recent years.

Cyprus believes the two countries are on friendly terms and understand each other, which is in line with the common interests of both China and Cyprus, Christofias said.

The president said Cyprus also believes bilateral relations would make further progress in the future.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi also exchanged congratulatory messages on Wednesday with his Cypriot counterpart Erato Kozakou Marcoullis.