The leaders of China and Malta on Thursday exchanged messages of congratulations on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Chinese President Jiang Zemin said in his message that since China and Malta established bilateral ties 30 years ago, the two countries have carried on their relations based on mutual respect,treating each other with sincerity and mutually beneficial cooperation, and this has resulted in the further deepening of mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.
China and Malta have set an example for developing relations between countries of different sizes and different political systems, said Jiang, adding that the exchange of visits last year by the two countries' leaders demonstrated their common willingness to further bilateral friendship and cooperation in the new century.
The Chinese leader also expressed confidence that the Sino-
Maltese ties will advance through concerted efforts by the two sides.
For his part, President Guido de Marco of Malta said in his message that during the past three decades, China and Malta have fostered a relationship born of a true sense of partnership. The two countries have demonstrated that where there exists the will to forge ahead with mutually beneficial ideas, these can be shaped and realized, notwithstanding differences in size and distances in geography.
The Maltese leader expressed belief that China and Malta, within their respective spheres of influence, will continue to promote international peace, stability and dialogue.
He pointed out that stability founded on a just peace in the Middle East remains an objective still eluding the international community.
"Stability in the Middle East and consequently in the whole of the Mediterranean region is essential for us to further our political and economic accomplishments," said the Maltese president.
He also pledged that Malta will continue to serve as a bridge of understanding among cultures and peoples, "a role which we cherish given our particular history, geo-strategic location and qualitative disposition."
(Xinhua News Agency January 31, 2002)
