Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Romanian counterpart, Ion Iliescu, exchanged greetings Tuesday to mark the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Hu said in a message to Iliescu that on Oct. 5, 1949, just four days after the founding of the People's Republic of China, Romania established diplomatic relations with the new nation.

"Leaders of the two countries have maintained contacts; political trust has been enhanced; cooperation in various fields has been quite fruitful; and the two countries have cooperated closely and supported each other in international affairs," said Hu.

"The two countries are good friends and partners that respect and trust each other."

Hu said his visit to Romania in June has led bilateral relations to a new direction when the two sides agreed to promote them to a new partnership of cooperation.

"I firmly believe that with joint efforts, our friendly relations will be even healthier," said Hu.

Iliescu said in his message that traditional friendship between the two countries has been thriving. Long-term interests of the two peoples and respect of the two countries for each other's domestic and foreign policies have served as the solid base for the relationship.

Iliescu said the joint communique signed by him and Hu this summer in Bucharest was a milestone in bilateral ties, preparing the ground for further cooperation.

Iliescu echoed Hu by saying that bilateral relations will be further developed through joint efforts.

Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Wu Bangguo,  Premier Wen Jiabao, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Jia Qinglin, and Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing also exchanged greetings with their Romanian counterparts. 

(Xinhua News Agency October 5, 2004)