BEIJING, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday congratulated his Maldivian counterpart Abdulla Yameen on the Maldives' 50th Independence Day.

In his message, Xi highlighted and congratulated on the remarkable progress the Maldives has achieved since its independence 50 years ago.

Xi said he believed that the country would realize further development under Yameen's leadership.

The Chinese president and his Maldivian counterpart jointly announced the establishment of a future-oriented all-round friendly and cooperative partnership during Xi's visit to the Maldives last September.

Stressing that China has always valued its friendship with the Maldives, Xi said China would like to work with the country to further promote bilateral ties.