Xi, Belgian king mark 55 years of diplomatic relations

President Xi Jinping has called on China and Belgium to take their all-round friendly cooperative partnership to new heights, as he exchanged congratulatory messages on Sunday with Belgium's King Philippe to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In his message, Xi said that over the years, China and Belgium have adhered to mutual respect, equal treatment and mutual benefit, and bilateral relations have developed steadily.

The two sides have achieved fruitful results in exchanges and cooperation across various fields, and people-to-people ties have grown closer, he said, adding that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Belgium relations.

Xi said that he stands ready to work with King Philippe to take the anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to guide the China-Belgium all-round friendly cooperative partnership to new heights, and to make new contributions to the sound and stable development of China-European Union relations.

In his message, King Philippe noted that Belgium and China have built extensive and diversified cooperative relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties.

He recalled Xi's state visit to Belgium in 2014, which he said left him with wonderful memories.

The king said that he firmly believes that the two countries will continue to advance open dialogue, expand practical cooperation and enhance mutual understanding.

Belgium is willing to develop a balanced and mutually beneficial relationship with China, jointly address global challenges, and promote peace, stability and sustainable development, he added.