On November 9, 2011, Chinese President Hu Jintao and Lebanese President Michel Suleiman exchanged congratulatory messages on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Hu said in his message that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 40 years ago, bilateral ties have been developing steadily with the joint efforts of both sides. Recent years have witnessed growing political trust, deepening economic and trade cooperation, closer cultural exchanges and sound coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs. China cherishes its traditional friendship with Lebanon and attaches importance to the development of bilateral relations. China is willing to join hands with Lebanon to promote personnel exchanges at all levels, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and push friendly cooperation in various fields for new development.

President Suleiman said in his message that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 40 years ago, Lebanon and China have conducted fruitful cooperation in the political, economic, trade, cultural and other fields. China has always firmly supported Lebanon's efforts to safeguard national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and has cooperated closely with Lebanon in international and regional affairs, playing an important role in maintaining international fairness and justice. Lebanon is willing to work with China to further deepen their friendly and cooperative relations, strengthen bilateral exchanges in various fields, safeguard their common interests and jointly promote peace and stability in the Middle East.