Nov. 17, 2017: Chinese President Xi Jinping (2nd R) and his wife Peng Liyuan (R), Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela (2nd L) and his wife Lorena Castillo pose for group photos in Beijing. (Photo: Xinhua)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Panamanian counterpart Juan Carlos Varela exchanged congratulatory messages on Wednesday as it marks the one year anniversary of the establishment of China-Panama diplomatic ties. 

President Xi pointed out China and Panama have opened a new era for bilateral ties when the two countries established diplomatic relations last June. It's a just and wise political decision made by both countries and has won support from both peoples, said Xi.

"During your successful state visit to China in November, we discussed and made plans for the comprehensive development of bilateral ties," said Xi, adding that the seeds planted then have grown and are now bearing fruits.

The two leaders also agreed to continue to strengthen bilateral ties.

President Xi said that he attaches great importance to China-Panama relations and is willing to work together with Varela to strengthen bilateral cooperation of mutual benefits in all fields, and make the China-Panama relations prosper and benefit the two peoples, based on the principles of mutual respect, cooperation and win-win, and common development.

Varela said that Panama and China have reached an important consensus and have made fruitful achievements over the past year, based on their traditional friendship and existing cooperation programs. 

Varela said he is deeply proud of being involved in initiating the Panama-China ties and will continue to promote the ties with great enthusiasm.