BEIJING — Premier Li Keqiang on Dec 8 exchanged congratulatory messages with his Icelandic counterpart, Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson, on the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between their countries.

In his message, Premier Li said that bilateral ties have maintained healthy and steady development since the two countries established diplomatic relations 45 years ago.

The Chinese side is ready to work with Iceland to continue to deepen communication and cooperation in various fields and further enrich bilateral relations so as to carry forward the China-Iceland friendly ties, Premier Li said.

Johannsson said the development of Iceland-China relations is entering a new stage, featuring sound cooperation in trade and economy, geothermal energy and North Pole affairs, and ever closer people-to-people exchanges.

The Icelandic prime minister said he is confident that the two countries will constantly deepen friendship and cooperation in the future.