BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has congratulated Jose Raul Mulino on his election as president of the Republic of Panama.

In his message, Xi noted that the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Panama in June 2017 opened a new chapter in bilateral relations, adding that over the nearly seven years, relations between the two nations have developed rapidly and achieved fruitful results, bringing tangible benefits to people of the two countries.

Xi said that the establishment of diplomatic relations has proven to be in line with the fundamental interests of both countries, and promoting bilateral ties and adhering to the one-China principle have become a common consensus in all sectors of both societies.

China and Panama are sincere friends of mutual trust and good partners of mutual benefit, said Xi, noting that he highly regards the development of China-Panama ties and stands ready to work with Mulino to promote friendly exchanges and guide bilateral relations to forge ahead and achieve in-depth development, so as to benefit people of both countries.