Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) holds a welcoming ceremony for King of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa before their talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 16, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

President Xi Jinping and Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa exchanged congratulatory messages on Thursday to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between their countries.

Xi said in his message that over the past 30 years, China and Bahrain have shown each other respect and support, and have forged a profound friendship, with bilateral ties steadily moving forward and their cooperation bearing fruit in various fields.

Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Bahrain ties.

He added that he is willing to join efforts with King Hamad, seize opportunities presented by the 30th anniversary, jointly develop the Belt and Road and lift bilateral cooperation in various fields to a new level in order to bring benefits to both countries and peoples.

Hamad said in his message that Bahrain cherishes the strong friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields with China.

Bahrain will continue to commit to deepening and developing Bahrain-China relations, said Hamad, who wished the Chinese people greater progress and achievement.

Also on Thursday, Premier Li Ke­qiang and Bahraini Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa exchanged congratulatory messages.

Li said China is willing to enhance pragmatic cooperation with Bahrain within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, and to promote bilateral relations for greater development.

Khalifa said he is looking forward to making joint efforts with China to continuously deepen Bahrain-China relations.