Zhang Ping (C, front), special envoy of Chinese President Xi Jinping and vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, attends the inauguration ceremony of Timor-Leste President Francisco Guterres Lu-Olo in Dili, Timor-Leste, May 20, 2017. (Xinhua/Zulkarnain)

Zhang Ping, special envoy of Chinese President Xi Jinping, attended Timor-Leste's presidential inauguration ceremony as well as the celebration of 15th anniversary of Timor-Leste's restoration of independence in Dili on May 19-20.

China and Timor-Leste enjoy a profound traditional friendship, and their political trust has been constantly deepened and pragmatic cooperation increasingly strengthened since the two countries established diplomatic ties 15 years ago, said Zhang, also vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China.

China actively supports the national development and construction cause of Timer-Leste, and their relations can be viewed as a model of equality and mutual benefits between a big country and a small one, Zhang said.

China is willing to continuously make efforts with Timer-Leste to strengthen the alignment of their development strategies, actively engage in cooperation based on the Belt and Road Initiative and constantly push ahead the comprehensive partnership of good neighborliness and mutual benefits between the two countries, said Zhang.

Timor-Leste's new President Francisco Guterres Lu-Olo said that his country supports and actively participates in the Belt and Road construction.

Lu-Olo said that Timor-Leste is willing to further strengthen its cooperation with China in various fields and constantly enhance relations between the two countries.

He said that the Chinese envoy's presence at his inauguration ceremony showed the friendly ties and close friendship between the two countries and the two peoples.

Lu-Olo appreciated China's long-time support for the Timor-Leste national liberation movement and its national construction.

Proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative aims to build trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along and beyond the ancient Silk Road routes. It comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.