Leaders congratulate Xi on election as CPC chief

BEIJING - Congratulations continued to flow in from countries, political parties and friendly organizations around the world to Xi Jinping on his election as general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

Greek President Karolos Papoulias extended his warmest congratulations and best wishes for the progress and prosperity of the friendly Chinese people.

"In the 40 years that have elapsed since the establishment of full diplomatic relations, Greece and China have built a strategic partnership based on mutual understanding, strong bonds of friendship and a deep sense of history," he said in a message.

Papoulias said that he was convinced that the two countries could achieve even more together.

Paul Biya, national president of the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) and Cameroon's president, extended his warmest congratulations to Xi on his election as the CPC chief on behalf of all the CPDM members.

The CPDM and the CPC have maintained reliable, friendly relations during the past 30 years, which have been conducted in various forms and yielded fruitful results, he said.

Biya hoped that the ties between the two parties could be reinforced and enriched so as to benefit the two peoples.

Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, president of Equatorial Guinea and president of the country's Democratic Party, said under the leadership of Xi, the CPC will consolidate its political foundation in safeguarding the dignity of the Chinese people and promoting the comprehensive development of China.

Obiang said he hoped the relations between the CPC and the Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea would gain "excellent development" and hoped Xi would made greater achievements.

Mohamed Waheed, leader of Gaumee Itthihaad Party (GIP) and president of Maldives, congratulated and extended best wishes to the newly elected leadership group of the CPC Central Committee with Xi as the general secretary.

The 18th CPC National Congress "defines the directions of China's future and will exert profound influence on China's growth as well as world peace and development," Waheed said in his message.

"I have no doubt that the warm bilateral relationship between China and Maldives will be further strengthened under the new leadership of CPC Central Committee," Waheed said.

Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz sent his sincerest congratulations and best wishes to Xi, wishing him good health and happiness, and wishing the friendly Chinese people progress and prosperity.

The king spoke highly of the stable relationship between the two friendly countries and hoped that the relationship could be consolidated and developed in all fields.