Chinese President Xi Jinping and Dutch King Willem-Alexander on Wednesday exchanged congratulatory messages on the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level.

In his message, President Xi pointed out thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, relations between China and the Netherlands have developed steadily with fruitful cooperative results over the past 50 years.

Recalling that bilateral ties were elevated to a comprehensive cooperative partnership in 2014, the Chinese president said the Netherlands' role as a "gateway" for cooperation between China and the European Union has been further highlighted.

China and the Netherlands have supported each other since the COVID-19 outbreak, demonstrating the deep friendship between the two peoples, he added.

Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of Sino-Dutch relations and stands ready to work together with King Willem-Alexander to promote the sustainable, healthy and stable development of bilateral ties for the benefit of both countries and peoples.

Willem-Alexander said that over the past 50 years, relations between the two countries have continued to thrive with active exchange in economic and cultural fields.

It is believed that with the joint efforts of both sides, the excellent and fruitful relations between the Netherlands and China will be further consolidated and developed, he added.

On the same day, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte also exchanged congratulatory messages.

Li said that China is willing to take the opportunity of the 50th anniversary to further strengthen exchanges in various fields, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and promote bilateral relations to a new level.

Rutte said that over the past 50 years, the two countries have achieved significant development in their relations. He hoped that both sides will deepen cooperation, jointly promote economic recovery and cope with climate change.