BEIJING, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Maltese counterpart Marie Louise Coleiro Preca on Tuesday exchanged congratulatory messages to mark the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between their two countries.

In his congratulatory message to Preca, Xi pointed out that since China and Malta established diplomatic relations 45 years ago, friendly relations between the two countries have developed in a sustainable way, with political mutual trust keeping deepening, and with bilateral exchange and cooperation in all fields bearing rich fruits.

"I attach great importance to the development of China-Malta friendly ties, and I am willing to work with you to promote continued deepening of the traditional friendship and practical cooperation between our two countries, in the greater interest of our two countries and two peoples," Xi told Preca.

For her part, Preca said that since Malta and China established diplomatic relations 45 years ago, the special relationship between Malta and China has kept favorable development on the basis of mutual respect and mutual understanding.

In face of challenges and opportunities brought about by changes of the international situation, cooperation between the two countries is turning increasingly closer, she said, adding that oriented toward the future, Malta-China ties will continue bearing rich fruits.