BEIJING — Premier Li Keqiang and Lithuanian Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevicius recently exchanged congratulatory messages to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

In the message, Premier Li said that China pays great attention to its relationship with Lithuania, and sees the Baltic state as an important partner in the region and within the European Union.

China is willing to take the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as an opportunity to further deepen cooperation and exchanges in various fields and push forward China-Lithuania and China-CEE (Central and Eastern European) relations to yield more achievements, he said.

Butkevicius said that Lithuania-China relations have reached a new high and enjoy broad political dialogue and economic and trade cooperation.

Lithuania pays close attention to China’s Belt and Road Initiative and ties between China and the CEE countries, said Butkevicius, who believes such engagement will help promote the development of Lithuania-China ties and Europe-China relations, as well as enhance cooperation around the world.