Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Bosnia-Herzegovina counterpart on Sunday exchanged congratulatory messages on the 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

In his message to Borislav Paravac, co-chairman of Bosnia-Herzegovina's joint presidency, Hu said that the past decade witnessed steady progress in the two countries' exchanges and cooperation in various fields, especially their mutual understanding and support in international and regional affairs.

China has attached great importance to the bilateral relations, Hu said, adding that his country respects Bosnia-Herzegovina's sovereignty, territorial integrity and self-chosen way for development.

Hu said he is ready to work with Paravac and other members in Bosnia-Herzegovina's joint presidency to promote the friendly relationship of cooperation in an all-round way on the basis of the principles of mutual respect, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit.

Paravac, for his part, said he is confident that Bosnian-Chinese friendly relationship of cooperation will develop continuously in the future.

Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Premier Wen Jiabao and Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing also exchanged congratulatory messages on the same day with their Bosnian counterparts.

(Xinhua News Agency April 3, 2005)