Premier Li Keqiang has sent a congratulatory message to Theresa May on her re-election as prime minister of the United Kingdom.

In the message, Premier Li appreciated May's commitment to developing ties with China since taking office in July last year. He said China and the United Kingdom are two influential countries in the world. China has attached great importance to the bilateral relations. He was glad to see high-level exchanges becoming closer and more frequent, pragmatic cooperation widening and people-to-people exchanges actively promoted.

The government is willing to take the opportunity of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the China-UK diplomatic relations to further boost pragmatic cooperation, the premier said.

Premier Li also welcomed May to visit China this year and attend an annual meeting of prime ministers between the two countries.