BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping on Friday sent a message to Romuald Wadagni to congratulate him on his election as president of the Republic of Benin.

In his message, Xi noted that China and Benin share a traditional friendship. In recent years, the two countries have deepened political mutual trust and firmly supported each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns, he said, adding that friendly cooperation across various fields has made significant progress and delivered tangible benefits to the two peoples.

Noting that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Benin relations, Xi said that he stands ready to work with Wadagni to implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and advance the China-Benin strategic partnership to new heights.