President Xi Jinping and Prince Albert II of Monaco exchanged congratulations on Thursday on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Monaco, with both leaders pledging to enhance bilateral ties.

In his congratulatory message to the prince, Xi said that over the past 30 years, China and Monaco have made significant progress in developing their relationship. Both countries have maintained sincere friendship, treating each other as equals, he said.

Xi pointed out that the countries' political mutual trust and traditional friendship have been deepened, with their cooperation in areas such as telecommunications, environmental protection, sports and arts being distinctive and fruitful.

They have set an example of friendly coexistence and of shared development between countries with different sizes, cultures, histories and social systems, the president added.

Noting that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Monaco relations, Xi expressed his willingness to work with Prince Albert II to make the 30th anniversary a new starting point to promote greater progress in bilateral ties and deliver more benefits to the people of both countries.

Prince Albert II said in his congratulatory message to Xi that the two countries, though different in size, culture and national conditions, have always respected and learned from each other, achieving fruitful cooperation in areas such as environmental protection, ocean affairs, economy and trade, and culture.

He recalled Xi's state visit to Monaco in 2019 as a memorable event for all the people of his country.

Saying that Monaco attaches great importance to the development of its relations with China, the prince expressed his readiness to work with Xi to enhance mutual trust and expand cooperation between the two countries, in order to achieve more fruitful results in the bilateral relationship for the benefit of both peoples.