In a message to East Timorese President Jose Alexandre Xanana Gusmao, President Hu said, "On the occasion of the first anniversary of the founding of the Democratic Republic of East Timor, on behalf of the People's Republic of China and in my own name, I would like to extend warm congratulations and best wishes to you and through you to the East Timorese people."

"One year after the founding (of the country), East Timor has made achievements in building on national reconciliation, maintaining social stability and boosting economic development. As a friendly neighbor, we are really delighted to see them. We believe that under your leadership, East Timorese people will definitely make new achievements in building the country."

In the year, bilateral relations have been remarkably improved on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, Hu said in the message dated May 16.

"I would like to join hands with Your Excellency to enhance the relationship of good-neighborliness, mutual trust and cooperation," Hu added.

"May East Timor enjoy prosperity and its people well-being," said Hu.

Premier Wen, in a message to his counterpart, Mari Bin Amude Alkatiri, said that as a newly-founded country, East Timor has maintained national unity and social stability, made progress in economic rehabilitation and social development in the past year, winning appreciation of the international community.

"I firmly believe that East Timor will have an even brighter future with the joint efforts of the government and the people."

He said the two countries have been expanding cooperation in politics, economics and trade and public health. China will unswervingly develop friendly and good-neighborly relationship with East Timor and continue to do what it can to provide assistance.

Wen said he was looking forward to Alkatiri's visit to China in September.

Li, in a message to his counterpart, Jose Ramos Horta, pledged to make "unremitting efforts" to strengthen relations between China and East Timor and cooperation between the two foreign ministries.

(Xinhua News Agency May 20, 2003)