President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with Ecuadorian President Lenin Moreno on Thursday to commemorate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Xi said in the message that the China-Ecuador friendship enjoys a solid foundation and that bilateral ties have developed over the past four decades in a sound and stable way under the principles of equality, mutual benefit and common development.

China and Ecuador established a comprehensive strategic partnership during Xi's state visit to the South American country in 2016.

Bilateral exchanges and cooperation in all areas have been accelerated, Xi said in the message, adding that Moreno's visit to China in 2018 brought new momentum to relations.

The president said he highly values the development of China-Ecuador relations and stands ready to work with his counterpart to promote greater progress at the new starting point marked by the 40th anniversary.

Moreno, for his part, said the Ecuador-China relationship has been characterized by friendship, progress and development over the past 40 years, and that the comprehensive strategic partnership was established on that basis.

He said he wished for friendly and cooperative ties between the two countries to be further consolidated in the future, making new contributions in both countries to people's well-being and national prosperity.