BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday exchanged congratulations with President of Trinidad and Tobago Christine Kangaloo over the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

Trinidad and Tobago is an important country in the Caribbean, and a comprehensive cooperative partner of China in the region, Xi said.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 50 years ago, bilateral relations have maintained a sound momentum of development, with deepening political mutual trust and fruitful cooperation in various fields, which have benefited the two peoples, he said.

Xi said that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Trinidad and Tobago relations, and stands ready to work with Kangaloo to take the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to continue to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and take the China-Trinidad and Tobago comprehensive cooperative partnership to a higher level.

Kangaloo said that the establishment of diplomatic ties between Trinidad and Tobago and China was based on the shared wish of both sides to develop friendly relations and cooperation.

Over the years, the two countries have always stuck to the original intention of establishing diplomatic relations and constantly strengthened ties between the two peoples, she said.

Kangaloo expressed confidence that bilateral relations in the new era will continue to bring benefits to the two countries.

On the same day, Chinese Premier Li Qiang exchanged congratulations with Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Keith Rowley.

Noting that Trinidad and Tobago is a good friend and partner of China in the Caribbean, Li said that the cooperation between the two countries has been fruitful since the establishment of diplomatic ties 50 years ago.

China attaches importance to its relations with Trinidad and Tobago and is ready to continuously expand and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with Trinidad and Tobago, he said.

Rowley said that on the basis of mutual respect, mutual trust and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, the two countries' relations serve the interests of both sides.

Trinidad and Tobago firmly adheres to the one-China policy and is committed to working with China to promote the peace and well-being for both peoples, Rowley said.