BEIJING - Premier Wen Jiabao and Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius exchanged congratulatory messages Wednesday to mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Lithuania.

The relationship between China and Lithuania had developed rapidly yet smoothly over the past decades, thanks to efforts from both sides, Wen said in his message.

The leaders of the two countries have made frequent contacts and the two countries have gained mutual understanding and deepened their traditional friendship, Wen said. Bilateral trade has prospered and achievements through cooperation in various sectors were plentiful, he added.

China attaches great importance to its ties with Lithuania and is willing to work with the country and seize the opportunity of the 20th anniversary to promote bilateral cooperation in such sectors as politics, trade and sports in order to advance the nations' bilateral relationship, Wen said.

Kubilius said in his message that bilateral cooperation in various sectors with China has yielded fruitful results.

Lithuania is willing to maintain high-level exchanges with China and wishes to see further cooperation in such fields as communications, technology and transportation infrastructure, he said.