BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping said Saturday that China is willing to work with Singapore to deepen practical cooperation in various fields, with high-quality construction of the Belt and Road as a main focus.

Xi made the remarks in an exchange of congratulatory messages with Singaporean President Halimah Yacob to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Over the past 30 years, in the face of changing international situation, China and Singapore have understood and supported each other and kept pace with the times to promote the development of bilateral relations, Xi stressed.

The cooperation between the two countries goes beyond the bilateral scope and plays an exemplary role at the regional and international levels, he said.

Noting that the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century with the COVID-19 pandemic still raging across the globe, Xi said countries are facing dual challenges of fighting the pandemic and reviving their economies.

He added that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Singapore relations.

China stands ready to join efforts with Singapore to uphold multilateralism and free trade, push for greater progress of bilateral relations and contribute to regional and world stability and prosperity, Xi said.