Chinese President Hu Jintao Thursday exchanged congratulatory messages with his Djiboutian counterpart Ismail Omar Guelleh on the 30th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.

In his message, Hu said that China-Djibouti ties have enjoyed smooth growth on the basis of mutual respect and sincere friendship since the two countries established diplomatic ties 30 years ago.

Meanwhile, the two peoples have come to know each other better and their friendship have been continuously strengthened, he said.

The two sides have carried out fruitful exchanges and cooperation in areas such as politics, economy and trade, culture, education and public health, the Chinese president said.

China and Djibouti have been supportive of each other on international and regional issues as well as on other major issues of common concern, Hu said.

The friendship between China and Djibouti has brought substantial benefits for both peoples, and promoted the development of a new strategic partnership between China and Africa, he said.

Hu expressed willingness to work with the Djiboutian side to develop their traditional friendship, promote mutual political trust, and strengthen friendly cooperation in a bid to further improve bilateral ties.

In his message, President Guelleh said Djibouti-China relations are built on the solid basis of friendship and unity.

Bilateral cooperation in various fields has borne fruit during the 30 years of diplomatic ties, and China has become Djibouti's indispensable cooperative partner on the road to development, he added.

The Sino-Africa Cooperation Forum has brought more aid for the development of Africa, and China and Djibouti need to further strengthen their cooperative partnership not only within the bilateral frame, but also in the bigger framework of China-Africa cooperation, Guelleh said.

(Xinhua News Agency January 8, 2009)