BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday exchanged congratulations with Marguerite Pindling, governor-general of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, on the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In his congratulatory message, Xi said the Bahamas is an important partner for China in the Caribbean region.

China-Bahamas relations have greatly developed over the past two decades, with practical cooperation yielding results in various fields, Xi said.

"I attach great importance to the development of China-Bahamas ties, and is willing to work with you to promote bilateral friendly cooperative relations so as to better benefit the two countries and two peoples," said the Chinese president.

For her part, Pindling said that bilateral ties have strengthened over the past two decades since the two countries established diplomatic ties, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples.

The Bahamas expects to strengthen cooperation and deepen relations with China, said the Bahamian governor-general.