Chinese President Hu Jintao and President of the Republic of Rwanda Paul Kagame on Saturday exchanged congratulatory messages to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Hu, in his message, said that since China and Rwanda forged diplomatic ties 40 years ago, the two nations have withstood the tests of time and tremendous international changes. Bilateral ties, Hu said, have been developed in a sound and stable manner. Kagame has attached great importance to the development of China-Rwanda relations since becoming president and has actively promoted the two countries\' friendly cooperation, which helped to create a good momentum for the rapid development of bilateral ties, Hu said. The president expressed his appreciation for the efforts made by Kagame. Hu also said China cherishes the traditional friendship and is willing to work with Rwanda on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of bilateral ties to further strengthen political mutual trust, deepen cooperation in various fields and enhance people-to-people exchanges in a bid to lift the two nations\' friendly cooperation to a higher level for the benefit of the two peoples. Kagame, for his part, said that on the important milestone in the Rwanda-China relations, it is gratifying to note that our people have established firm bridges of friendship and cooperation based on mutual trust and common purpose. He also expressed his appreciation for China\'s continued meaningful engagement with Rwanda, and Africa at large. As the two countries embark on a new decade, Rwanda looks forward to working closely with China to further strengthen political dialogue as well as socio-economic ties between the two countries and consolidate cooperation and scale up activity in areas of common interests, he said. Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Louise Mushikiwabo, minister of foreign affairs and cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda, also exchanged congratulatory messages on Saturday over the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.