BEIJING — Incumbent and former leaders of foreign countries and international organizations have sent a multitude of congratulatory messages to President Xi Jinping to convey their best wishes on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC).
The following is an edited summary of some of these messages.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the France-China relationship has been close and durable, noting that the two countries, both permanent members of the UN Security Council, shoulder a special responsibility to the human society.
Macron added that he is looking forward to working with Xi in taking cooperation between the two countries to a new level, and jointly boosting multilateralism.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said China has achieved remarkable achievements in development and risen to become the world's second largest economy, adding that the Japanese side is ready to join efforts with the Chinese side to open up a new era for bilateral ties.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in said he is looking forward to China's continued contribution to peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia and the wider world under Xi's leadership, adding that he hopes to work with his Chinese counterpart in making the South Korea-China strategic cooperative partnership sturdier and more mature.
Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni said the PRC, over the past 70 years, has maintained peace and stability, and has realized development and prosperity at an astounding speed. He spoke highly of the Belt and Road Initiative and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, both proposed by Xi.
Noting that leaders and peoples of the two countries have enjoyed friendship for many generations, he said Cambodia will always stand with China.
Singaporean President Halimah Yacob said China has undergone a phenomenal transformation over the last 70 years, overcoming many challenges to achieve a rapid economic growth and uplift its people's livelihood, adding that its growth and development will benefit not only the people of China but also the region and the world.