Ljubljana/Beijing - Slovenian president Borut Pahor and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In his letter to Xi, Pahor said Slovenia and China had reason to be proud at what they have achieved in bilateral ties, noting that Slovenia was in favour of "constructive European-Chinese relations".

He lauded China's progress and said that as a geopolitical and economic superpower, it represented an "important partner in the quest for answers to humanity's common challenges."

"The new conflict on the European continent is a reminder of the brittleness of peace and stability and calls for a common constructive resolution of all outstanding issues peacefully, for only this can ensure peace and prosperity for our citizens," says the letter, which has been published on Pahor's website.

Xi meanwhile pointed out that since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties, China and Slovenia have treated each other with respect and as equals.

They have achieved "positive results in mutually beneficial cooperation" and witnessed increasing cultural and people-to-people exchanges, which brings tangible benefits to the people of the two countries, says the letter published on Pahor's website.

Xi stressed that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Slovenia relations, saying that he is ready to work with Pahor to take the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties as a new starting point, "seize the historic opportunity of jointly building the Belt and Road," strengthen the alignment of development strategies of the two sides, and deepen practical cooperation.