Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) holds a welcoming ceremony for visiting Afghan President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai before their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Oct 28, 2014. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday exchanged congratulatory messages with his Afghan counterpart, Ashraf Ghani, on the 60th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations and the commencement of the Year of China-Afghanistan Friendly Cooperation program.

In his message, Xi said that the two countries have always understood, respected and supported each other over the past 60 years, and that the friendship between China and Afghanistan has rooted deeply in the hearts of the two peoples.

China attaches great importance to the development of China-Afghanistan relations, and stands ready to play a constructive role in promoting Afghanistan's peaceful reconstruction, Xi said, urging the two sides to bring their relations up to a new stage.

Ghani said in his message that Afghanistan is grateful for China's contribution to his country's pursuit of peace and reconciliation.

Afghanistan is also willing to make concerted efforts with China to build a better future in this region, said Ghani.