BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping on Thursday sent a congratulatory message to Yoon Suk-yeol on his election as president of the Republic of Korea (ROK).

In the message, Xi noted that China and the ROK are close neighbors and important cooperative partners.

Since the establishment of China-ROK diplomatic ties, Xi said, bilateral relations have been growing rapidly, bringing tangible benefits to the two nations, and making positive contributions to promoting regional and world peace, stability, development and prosperity.

Xi also said that this year marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two sides, which is of great significance to bilateral ties.

He added that China is willing to follow the original aspiration of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, deepen friendly cooperation with the ROK, and promote steady and sustained progress of the strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries for the benefit of both countries and their people.