Chinese President Hu Jintao exchanged congratulatory messages with Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi Saturday on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Bilateral relations have been growing steadily since diplomatic ties were established 30 years ago, President Hu said in his message.

Politically, China and Libya have showed mutual respect, treating each other equally, and economically, they have been cooperating in a mutually beneficial way in the interest of common development, Hu said.

The two countries have also offered mutual support and cooperation in multilateral areas, he said.

Hu also expressed his appreciation for Libya's adherence to the one-China policy.

To deenpen friendly and cooperative bilateral ties on the basis of sincerity, mutual trust, equality and mutual benefit is the Chinese government's established policy, which conforms to the fundamental interests of both peoples, he said.

China is ready to work with Libya to enhance bilateral exchanges, promote mutual understanding and trust and deepen their cooperation so as to open up new prospects for bilateral friendly relations and cooperation, the Chinese president said.

In his message, Gaddafi said Libya has always attached great importance to Sino-Libyan ties since the establishment of diplomatic relations.

He expressed satisfaction with the achievements made in bilateral economic and trade cooperation in recent years and spoke highly of the consultations and communication China and Libya have maintained over regional and international issues.

Libya is willing to enhance the friendly and cooperative bilateral relations for the benefit of the two countries, Gaddafi said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Abdul-Rahman Mohammad Shalgam, Libya's secretary of foreign communication and international cooperation, also exchanged messages on the occasion.

(Xinhua News Agency August 9, 2008)