BEIJING, Jan. 16 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prince Albert II of Monaco on Thursday exchanged congratulatory messages to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of China-Monaco diplomatic ties.

In his message, Xi said the past 30 years have seen tremendous development of relations between the two countries featuring sincerity, friendliness, equality, political mutual trust and consistent deepening of their traditional friendship.

Their distinctive and fruitful cooperation in fields including communications, environmental protection, sports and arts has become a model for countries of different sizes, histories, cultures and social systems to get along with each other and achieve common development.

Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of bilateral ties, and is willing to work with Prince Albert II to push for further progress in bilateral relations and greater benefits for the people of the two nations by using the 30th anniversary of China-Monaco diplomatic ties as a new starting point.

Prince Albert II of Monaco said in his congratulatory message that regardless of the differences in size, culture and national conditions between Monaco and China, the two countries have always insisted on mutual respect and mutual learning, with fruitful bilateral cooperation in environmental protection, marine, economy and trade, as well as culture among other areas.

Xi's 2019 state visit to Monaco is a grand and unforgettable event to the whole nation, he said, adding that the Monacan side attaches high importance to developing its relations with China.

Prince Albert II said he is willing to join efforts with President Xi in deepening mutual trust, expanding cooperation and advancing bilateral relations for greater results to better benefit the two peoples.