Chinese and Icelandic leaders exchanged congratulatory messages on Saturday to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries which falls on December 8.
In a message to his Icelandic counterpart, Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, Chinese President Jiang Zemin said, "The friendly and cooperative relationship between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Iceland has made remarkable progress and the mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of our two countries have been deepened increasingly since the establishment of diplomatic relations of our two countries."
The Chinese president also expressed his belief that with the joint efforts of the two countries, the two sides' friendly and cooperative relations will be further developed and strengthened in the new century.
In his message, Grimsson said that "Political leaders from our countries have, in exchanging visits, worked for a better mutual understanding of the views and interests of each country."
"Our two nations have shown how it is possible to look beyond and overcome natural differences, such as that of size or the great distance between us; we have produced good results through cooperation in many fields," said Grimsson.
Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan also sent a congratulatory message to his Icelandic counterpart, Halldor Asgrimsson.
(People's Daily December 9, 2001)
