Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe is seen with Vice Presidents Phelekezela Mphoko (R) and newly-sworn in Emmerson Mnangagwa (L) at the State House in Harare, December 12, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

BEIJING -- China is willing to work with Zimbabwe to lift bilateral friendly relations to a higher level so as to bring more benefits to both peoples, Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao has said.

Li made the remarks in his congratulatory messages sent respectively to Zimbabwe's newly-appointed vice presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko on Dec 15.

China and Zimbabwe enjoy profound traditional friendship, Li said. Since the establishment of their diplomatic relations 34 years ago, the two countries have deepened political mutual trust and conducted fruitful cooperation in various areas such as trade and economy and people-to-people exchanges.

Both sides have supported each other and coordinated their efforts in international affairs, and bilateral relations have a broad prospect for further development, said the Chinese vice president.

Mnangagwa and Mphoko took office as Zimbabwe's vice presidents on Dec 12.