BEIJING, May 9 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf exchanged congratulatory messages on Saturday to mark the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between their countries.

Sweden was among the first Western countries to establish diplomatic ties with the new China, or the People's Republic of China, established in 1949, Xi said.

Bilateral friendship and cooperation have been constantly enhanced over the past 65 years thanks to efforts from both sides, he noted.

China attaches great importance to the development of its ties with Sweden, which is a major nation in the Nordic region and Europe, Xi said.

With concerted efforts, bilateral cooperation will be more fruitful and bring more benefits to both peoples, Xi added.

In his message, King Gustaf said he hopes the Sweden-China friendly relations will constantly move forward and bilateral pragmatic cooperation will deepen.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Swedish counterpart Margot Wallstrom also exchanged congratulations to mark the occasion.