Chinese President Hu Jintao on Sunday exchanged congratulatory messages with Singaporean President S.R. Nathan to mark the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Hu, in his message, said China-Singapore relations have enjoyed sound and smooth development since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 20 years ago.

China and Singapore have witnessed close contacts between leaders, enhanced political mutual trust and scored fruitful achievements in exchanges and cooperation in various fields, he said.

The two countries have also maintained good communication and coordination in international and regional affairs, he added.

China appreciates Singapore's adherence to the one-China policy and its support for the peaceful reunification of China, said Hu.

Based on the principles of harmony, coordination and mutual benefits, China is willing to work with Singapore to create a brighter future for bilateral ties, he said.

China is willing to deepen cooperation in key sectors and projects, and advance ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and with the broader region, said Hu.

For his part, Nathan said Singapore-China relations have been deepened and broadened in the past 20 years and the two countries have cooperated in extensive areas and established solid friendship.

Nathan said he believed that Singapore-China relations will continue to develop vigorously and both countries will explore creative new forms of cooperation.

Also on Sunday, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao exchanged congratulatory messages with his Singaporean counterpart, Lee Hsien Loong.

Wen said China and Singapore have obtained great accomplishments in developing bilateral ties and promoted a complementary and win-win relationship in the past 20 years.

The two countries should continue to fully explore potentials for cooperation to push the bilateral ties to a higher level, Wen said.

Lee said the fruitful China-Singapore relations based on mutual benefits have been consolidated through the enhancement of economic, political and cultural ties.

Singapore attaches importance to developing relations with China, he said, adding that a stable, open and prosperous China is favorable for Asia and the world.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi also exchanged congratulatory messages on Sunday with his Singaporean counterpart George Yong-Boon Yeo to mark the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.