Premier Wen Jiabao in Beijing on Wednesday sent a congratulatory message to the South African Development Community (SADC) on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of its founding.

In his message to the 25th Summit of Heads of State and Government of SADC being held in Gaborone, Botswana, Wen spoke highly of the role the regional organization has played in the past 25 years.

"SADC has played an important role and registered positive progress in strengthening solidarity and cooperation among member states, and in promoting peace and stability, economic and social development as well as economic integration in the region," said Wen.

Wen also hailed the strengthening of the ties between China and SADC.

"The past long period of time has witnessed continuous strengthening of the friendly exchanges and cooperation and further deepening of the mutual understanding between China and SADC," Wen said in the message.

He stressed China's emphasis on developing relations with SADC and pledged to push "the cooperation between the two sides to a new high."

(Xinhua News Agency August 18, 2005)