On April 2, President Jiang Zemin exchanged greetings with Azerbaijani President Geidar Aliyev on the 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Azerbaijan.

In a message to Aliyev, Jiang said that on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Azerbaijan, I would like to extend, on behalf of the Chinese government and people and in my own name, warm congratulations and good wishes to Your Excellency, and through Your Excellency, to your government and people.

Jiang said that China and Azerbaijan have started a history of friendly exchanges since the ancient time of the Silk Road. 10 years ago, China and Azerbaijan established diplomatic relations, which opened a new chapter in bilateral relations. With joint efforts, bilateral relations have achieved great progress. The two sides have been understanding and supporting each other's efforts to safeguard national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as developing their national economies. Exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in political, economic, trade, cultural and education fields have been expanding and deepening, with positive results achived. The two sides share common and similar positions on a series of major international and regional issues, and have supported each other and coordinated closely. Reality has proved that it is in the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples for China and Azerbaijan to maintain and develop friendly relations and cooperation.

Jiang said that China and Azerbaijan are friendly countries. There are broad prospects for the development of bilateral relations and great potential for cooperation. The Chinese side is ready to continue to work, on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, with the Azerbaijani side to strengthen mutual trust and actively explore new areas and channels of cooperation to promote China-Azerbaijan relations to a new high and benefit the two peoples.

Aliyev said in his message to Jiang that the past decade has been a very important period in Azerbaijan's nation-building. In these years, it has always been one of the priorities of Azerbaijan's foreign policy to establish and develop cooperation with China.

Aliyev pointed out with satisfaction that there has been frequent exchange of high level visits between the two countries. China and Azerbaijan have established friendly, mutually beneficial and cooperative relations in the United Nations and bilateral fields. The relationship has been developing and constantly promoted. The Silk Road was a bridge in strengthening the historical and cultural links between the Azerbaijani and Chinese people, enhancing economic cooperation between the East and West, and linking China and Europe. It should be revitalized and regain its due historical status.

Aliyev expressed his firm belief that bilateral friendly relations and productive cooperation in all fields should be rapidly developed and expanded on the basis of signed agreements to benefit the two peoples.

On the same day, Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Vilayat Guliyev also exchanged messages of warm congratulations on the 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Azerbaijan.

Tang said in his message that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 10 years ago, bilateral relations have achieved remarkable progress, with cooperation in political, economic and trade fields constantly expanding and strengthening. The two sides have supported each other in international affairs and conducted productive cooperation. Tang expressed the readiness to continue to deepen friendship and cooperation with his counterpart to work unremittingly for a better future in China-Azerbaijan relations.

Guliyev said that China has major political influence and economic potential. Azerbaijan attaches great importance to consolidating Azerbaijan-China relations within the framework of international organizations and on bilateral basis, and is ready to continue to strengthen cooperation with China actively. Azerbaijan welcomes China's efforts in maintaining international and regional peace, security and economic prosperity.