Xi and King Philippe celebrate 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations

President Xi Jinping and King Philippe of Belgium exchanged well wishes on Monday on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, with both leaders vowing to bolster relations.

In his congratulatory message to the Belgian king, Xi commended the sound development of bilateral ties, saying that the two countries' relations have continued to grow based on mutual respect, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation.

Xi recalled that he and King Philippe decided to enhance the countries' ties to an all-round partnership of friendship and cooperation in 2014. Bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields have delivered fruitful results since then, he added.

Xi also talked about the two countries' mutual support and assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying people from both countries have written a new chapter of friendship.

He considers developing relations with Belgium as greatly important, and is willing to work with King Philippe on opportunities to advance bilateral ties for new accomplishments and make new contributions to the development of China-European Union relations.

The King said in his message to Xi that the friendship between Belgium and China has brought about momentous achievements in various fields with fruitful trade and economic cooperation, as well as close subnational exchanges, since the establishment of diplomatic relations 50 years ago.

Rapid progress witnessed

He talked about his visits to China, saying he has witnessed the rapid progress of China and the development of bilateral ties. Looking to the future, the King wished the friendship between Belgium and China could be further strengthened by building upon current ties.

Premier Li Keqiang and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo also exchanged well wishes for the anniversary on Monday.

Li said China stands ready to work with Belgium to intensify mutually beneficial cooperation, and expand friendly exchanges to boost the sustained and healthy development of bilateral ties.

In his message, De Croo said Belgium values the countries' ties and is willing to strengthen dialogue with China, deepen their partnership in the fields of trade and economy as well as sustainable development, and jointly uphold multilateralism.