Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday exchanged congratulations with Captains Regent of San Marino Gian Carlo Venturini and Marco Nicolini on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the two countries' diplomatic relations.

In his message, Xi said China-San Marino relations have developed smoothly over the past half century, setting a good example of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit between countries with different political systems and cultures.

Xi said he is willing to work with the captains regent to take the 50th anniversary as an opportunity to deepen bilateral and international cooperation and ensure that the China-San Marino friendship continues from generation to generation.

In their congratulatory message, Venturini and Nicolini said since the two countries established diplomatic ties, the people in the two countries have formed heart-to-heart bonding and cooperated closely. They said the two sides have treated each other with sincerity, laying a solid foundation for the development of bilateral relations.

They said they are confident that commemorating the anniversary will bring new opportunities for the two countries to develop bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi also exchanged a congratulatory message with San Marino's Foreign Minister Luca Beccari on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the two countries' diplomatic relations.

Wang said that he is willing to work with Beccari to strengthen the cooperation between the two countries' foreign affairs ministries to advance the bilateral ties, setting an example of major and minor countries treating each other equally. 

Beccari said he hopes that the series of activities celebrating the 50th anniversary will bring more opportunities and achievements from mutually beneficial cooperation.

(With input from Xinhua)