BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping and Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa on Thursday exchanged congratulations on the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

China and Ecuador, as comprehensive strategic partners, have maintained a sound momentum for the growth of their relations over the past 45 years, Xi said in a congratulatory message.

In recent years, the political mutual trust between the two sides has been strengthened, practical cooperation in various fields has delivered fruitful results, and the China-Ecuador friendship has become more deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, he said.

Notably the China-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement, which has been successfully signed and entered into force, has given a strong boost to upgrading economic and trade cooperation and injected fresh impetus into the development of bilateral relations, the Chinese president said.

"I attach great importance to the growth of China-Ecuador relations and stand ready to work with President Noboa to take the 45th anniversary as a new starting point to renew the traditional China-Ecuador friendship and deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields so as to lift China-Ecuador relations to a higher level," Xi said.

Depicting the 45th anniversary of bilateral ties as a milestone bearing great significance, Noboa said that over the past 45 years, the two sides have established a comprehensive strategic partnership based on mutual respect and trust, with fruitful outcomes in cooperation in various fields.

Ecuador's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative and the entry into force of the Ecuador-China Free Trade Agreement have improved the well-being of the two peoples, Noboa said, voicing readiness to keep working closely with China to deepen friendship, dialogue and cooperation and build a future of common prosperity.