Chinese President Hu Jintao on Monday exchanged congratulatory messages with Ghanaian President John Evans Atta Mills to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Hu in his message hailed the profound and traditional friendship between the Chinese and Ghanaian people, saying that on July 5, 1960, Ghana became one of the first African countries south of the Sahara to establish diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China.

Over the past 50 years, Hu said, bilateral ties between the two countries have weathered various tests and enjoy a stable development, won through the hard work of several generations of leaders from both sides.

It is China's established policy to advance the bilateral ties of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and common development, Hu said.

Hu also said both countries, with similar bitter historical experiences, are currently facing the tough tasks of developing their economies, maintaining stability and promoting people's livelihoods.

The president said China is willing to work with Ghana to benefit the two peoples by boosting pragmatic cooperation in various fields, expanding the cultural exchange and non-governmental contact, and enhancing coordination on multilateral and global issues. 

Mills said that Ghana is pleased that the two countries have succeeded in nurturing their bilateral relations over the years in a spirit of friendship, understanding and cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries.

He said Ghana deeply appreciates the sustained support and assistance of the Chinese government for his country's economic development.

Mills also said he is confident that the cordial relations that exist between the two countries will be further strengthened as both sides address new opportunities for cooperation at the bilateral and multilateral levels.

On the same day, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi also exchanged congratulatory messages with his Ghanaian counterpart Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni.