Chinese President Xi Jinping and Argentine President Alberto Fernandez on Wednesday expressed their hope for closer bilateral ties as they sent congratulatory letters to a high-level forum on cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Xi said China and Argentina are good friends and partners, and this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries and it is also the Year of China-Argentina Friendship and Cooperation.

"Over the past half century, our relations have stood the test of changing international circumstances and become an example of solidarity, cooperation and common development among emerging markets and developing countries," Xi said.

Xi said the comprehensive and rapid development of bilateral ties reflects the vitality of China-Latin America relations, hoping the participants will pool their wisdom and build consensus to help write a new chapter in bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for China and Latin America and mankind in the new era.

Fernandez said he is confident that the two sides will embrace a community of shared future featuring a higher level of development.

The fruitful media cooperation between the two countries has promoted mutual understanding between the two peoples, he said, expecting the two sides to deepen cooperation, contribute to their comprehensive strategic partnership, and make greater contribution to the well-being of the two peoples and world peace and development.