Chinese and Tanzanian leaders exchanged congratulatory messages Monday to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between the two countries which falls on April 26.

Sino-Tanzanian friendly relations and cooperation, which has developed in an all-round way over the past 40 years thanks to the efforts of leaders from both sides, has become a model of bilateral relations between China and the African countries, Chinese President Hu Jintao said in a message to his Tanzanian counterpart Benjamin William Mkapa.

"In recent years, the two countries have injected new vigor into their friendly relations and cooperation by strengthening political mutual trust, actively exploring new ways and means in their cooperation of mutual benefit and intensifying coordination and consultation in international and regional affairs," said Hu.

The Chinese government and people greatly value the traditional friendship between China and Tanzania, and wish to make joint efforts with the Tanzanian government and people to push their cooperation to new higher levels in the new century, he added.

In his message, Tanzanian President Mkapa said: "The excellent Sino-Tanzanian friendly relations and cooperation that have withstood the test of time have proven to be an inspiration for our people and a shining model of the South-South cooperation."

He noted that Tanzania and China have achieved remarkable progress in bilateral cooperation during the past decades.

"The assistance from China in fields such as health, science, culture and education, industry and infrastructure have contributed greatly to our country's socio-economic development," said President Mkapa, adding that his government hopes to "join hands with the Chinese government in exploring new ways and areas of promoting bilateral cooperation to new higher levels for the mutual benefit of the two countries."

In a message to Tanzanian Prime Minister Fredrick T. Sumaye, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said China and Tanzania have conducted intensive and fruitful cooperation in the fields of politics, trade, military, health, as well as culture and education since they forged diplomatic ties 40 years ago.

The Chinese government attaches great importance to its relationship with Tanzania and is willing to further promote bilateral ties, he added.

Tanzanian Prime Minister Sumaye said in his massage: "Our friendly relations and cooperation have grown tremendously to encompass not only the traditional ones but also new areas such as investment and private businesses."

He said the Tanzanian government greatly cherishes these relations and he believes that "the cooperation that exists between the two countries will further be strengthened and consolidated in the years to come."

On the same day, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and his Tanzanian counterpart Jakaya M. Kikwete also exchanged greetings.

(Xinhua News Agency April 26, 2004)