World leaders, parties, organizations congratulate Xi

Congratulations continued to flow in from countries, political parties and friendship organizations around the world to Xi Jinping on his election as general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.p German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed her best wishes to Xi in her congratulatory message.

Germany and China have maintained very close and friendly relations for a long time, Merkel said, adding that she looked forward to expanding the close partnership between the two countries in politics, economy and culture.

Salva Kiir Mayardit, chairman of Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) and president of South Sudan, extended his congratulations to Xi on behalf of the people of South Sudan, the SPLM and in his own name.

"I look forward to your continuous endeavors to strengthen the long- lasting bond that exists between our people as well as between SPLM and the Communist Party," he said.

President of Romanian Social Democratic Party (PSD) and Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta said Xi's election was a great event in China's process of promoting modernization and proved the CPC had the wisdom to elect a new generation of leaders to lead the nation to counter new challenges.

Romania appreciates the friendship between the PSD and the CPC, Ponta said, adding that he hopes the two sides will make joint efforts to promote the partnership between the two parties and the friendly cooperation between the two peoples.

Henry Puna, prime minister of the Cook Islands, congratulated Xi on his historic election as new CPC chief and chairman of the CPC Central Military Commission.

"I am confident that under your steadfast leadership, the challenges you outlined in your address will be overcome and China's enormous potential will be realized for the benefit of the Chinese people," he said in a message.

Fiji's Prime Minister J. V. Bainimarama said Xi's election "demonstrates the confidence which the people of China have reposed in the party's foresightedness and able leadership to continue the reform and transformation of your great country."

The people of Fiji believed that with his impeccable credentials, Xi stood in good position to lead China into the future, Bainimarama said.

King of Bhutan Jigme Singye Wangchuck said Xi's election to the most important post of the CPC was indeed a clear testimony to the trust and confidence reposed in him by the people and government of China.

The king said he was confident that with wide experience and able leadership, Xi would bring greater peace, progress and prosperity to China and that the close ties of friendship that existed between the two countries would be further strengthened in the years ahead.

Sushil Koirala, chairman of Nepali Congress party, wished Xi success as the general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and also wished the new CPC central leadership success.

Koirala voiced the belief that during Xi's tenure, relations between the two parties would be further strengthened to better benefit the two peoples.

Omurbek Tekebayev, chairman of Ata Meken Socialist Party of Kyrgyzstan, said the convening of the 18th CPC national congress and the historic choice on the new CPC central leadership were of great significance to the entire international community.

His party paid high attention to establishing solid and friendly relations with the CPC and would like to continue to push forward cooperation between the two parties in order to benefit the two peoples, he said.

S. Oyun and S. Demberel, leaders of Mongolia's Civil Will-Green Party, said in their congratulatory note that the CPC congress and the series of resolutions adopted at the gathering were of historic significance.

They wished Xi success in his lofty position, which represents the people's welfare.

Mar Roxas and Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya, president and executive vice president of the Philippines' Liberal Party, congratulated Xi and conveyed their best wishes on his election as CPC general secretary.

"We have no doubt that your leadership and proven commitment to the welfare of the Chinese people will propel your nation to unparalleled heights of unity and prosperity," they said in a message.

Nayef Hawatmeh, general secretary of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, said he is confident that Xi, as the new CPC leader, will promote the welfare of the Chinese people and make greater contributions to advancing bilateral friendly relations and safeguarding world peace and justice.

Congratulating Xi on his election, Volker Kauder, parliamentary leader of Germany's CDU&CSU block, said he is confident that friendly relations and close contacts between the two nations will be further boosted in the future.

Katja Kipping and Bernd Riexinger, leaders of Germany's Left, wished Xi success.

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has played an indispensable positive role in coping with a number of major challenges we are faced with, they said in a message.

Paolo Ferrero, chief of Italy's Communist Refoundation Party and the party's secretary of international affairs Fabio Amato wished the new CPC leadership every success in fulfilling its mission in leading the party and the Chinese people.

They also pledged to strengthen the friendship between the two peoples and cement mutual support between the two parties.

Italy's Democratic Party chief Pier Luigi Bersani said he had very fond memories of a meeting with Xi during his visit to Rome and hoped they could meet again soon.

The growing ties between the two parties and the two nations are in line with the common interests of the two peoples, he said, adding he believed that the friendly relations would continue to be strengthened.

Jose Luis Centella, general secretary of Spain's Communist Party, and Maite Mola, the party's secretary of international affairs, said in their congratulatory message that policy decisions made during the 18th CPC congress will be of great importance to China's endeavor to build a socialist society with Chinese characteristics.