BEIJING, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday exchanged congratulatory messages with Abdullah Abdullah, chief executive of the Afghan government, on the 60th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and the launch of the Year of China-Afghanistan Friendly Cooperation program.

In his message, Li said China and Afghanistan have enjoyed traditional friendly relations and Beijing cherishes the two countries' friendship and commits itself to developing their strategic cooperative partnership.

He also voiced his country's support for Afghanistan's peaceful reconstruction, saying China is willing to make concerted efforts with the Afghan side to boost Afghanistan's economic development, improve people's well-being and maintain long-term stability.

For his part, Abdullah said Afghans value their profound friendship with the Chinese people.

The Afghan side is ready to take the Year of Friendly Cooperation program as an opportunity to further promote mutual understanding between the two peoples, he added.