Xi: China to push for new progress in ties with Iceland

President Xi Jinping and Icelandic President Gudni Johannesson exchanged congratulations on Wednesday on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, with both leaders vowing to boost bilateral ties.

In his congratulatory message to Johannesson, Xi said that over the past five decades since China and Iceland established diplomatic ties, the two countries have secured positive results from their pragmatic cooperation in various fields, delivering well-being to the two peoples.

Noting that he considers the development of relations with Iceland to be of great importance, Xi said he is willing to work with Johannesson to take the anniversary as a new starting point to continually advance bilateral ties to achieve new progress based on mutual respect, mutual benefits and win-win results in order to benefit the two countries and the two peoples.

Johannesson said in his message that Iceland and China enjoy a profound friendship with close cooperation in the fields of trade, tourism, culture, education and scientific research.

He expressed his hope that the two countries would maintain dialogue and communication and jointly create a prosperous, bright and secure future.

Also on Wednesday, Premier Li Keqiang and Icelandic Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir exchanged congratulatory messages on the anniversary.

Li said that the Chinese government attaches great importance to developing bilateral ties, and he expressed his readiness to work with the Icelandic prime minister to boost the countries' ties to secure greater progress in bilateral pragmatic cooperation.

Jakobsdottir said the implementation of the Iceland-China Free Trade Agreement and the rising bilateral trade have enhanced mutual understanding between the two countries and brought the two peoples even closer.

The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games will create new opportunities for deepening bilateral relations, Jakobsdottir said, adding that she looks forward to the countries' strengthening their cooperation and creating a brighter future.