President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message on Sunday to Mamady Doumbouya on his election as president of Guinea, expressing willingness to work with him to further develop the two countries' comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

In his message, Xi said that Guinea is the first sub-Saharan African country to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China.

The two sides, he said, have long upheld mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, supported each other on issues involving their respective core interests and major concerns, and carried out fruitful cooperation for common development.

Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Guinea relations and stands ready to work with Doumbouya to make greater contributions to improving the well-being of both peoples and promoting solidarity in the Global South.

Doumbouya, 41, won the presidential election held on Dec 28, securing 86.72 percent of the first-round votes. Guinea's Supreme Court confirmed Doumbouya's victory on Sunday.

Xinhua contributed to this story.

zhaojia@chinadaily.com.cn