Spotlight: Global leaders confident in greater role, prosperity of Xi-led China

BEIJING, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Leaders of countries, political parties and international organizations are confident that a more prosperous China under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping will make a greater contribution to the world.

They voiced the confidence in congratulatory messages after the March 17 election of Xi as Chinese President by a unanimous vote at the just concluded annual session of China's top legislature, the National People's Congress (NPC). Xi was also unanimously elected chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) of China.

The election result shows the Chinese people's strong confidence in Xi's wisdom and firm support for his leadership, many said, while expressing the hope for increased cooperation between their countries and China.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres commended Xi's commitment and leadership regarding the UN-China cooperation, saying the world body is willing to further the cooperation to safeguard peace, realize sustainable development and promote the well-being of people worldwide.

Rashid Alimov, secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), said China is playing an increasingly important role in the world, with the Xi-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and the notion of building a community with a shared future for mankind both positively received by the international community.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Xi's election represents the Chinese people's recognition of his "contribution to promoting China's rapid economic and social development." He believes that under Xi's leadership, Russia-China relations, an example for developing equality-based and mutually beneficial cooperation between major countries, will further consolidate, promoting security and stability in Eurasia and the world at large.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said Xi's election shows the Chinese people's strong support for his leadership, and that Afghanistan looks forward to working with China to deepen relations and cooperation in various fields.

Hailing the remarkable achievements China has made since its reform and opening-up in late 1970s, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen said he hopes China will continue the path of success under Xi's leadership.

Bangladeshi President Md. Abdul Hamid said Xi's leadership has enabled achievements in building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko said that under Xi's leadership and the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the Chinese people are unswervingly forging ahead toward the goal of national rejuvenation.

Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni said he believes that under Xi's leadership, China will further develop and prosper, continuing to play an important role in regional and international affairs.

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed the belief that Xi's far-sighted leadership will ensure China's steady progress in realizing development goals.

Czech President Milos Zeman said he believes that China will see a splendid future under Xi's leadership, and that he hopes to strengthen bilateral strategic partnership to benefit the two peoples.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella said he is willing to work with Xi to enhance bilateral relations and cooperation in multilateral institutions within the framework of EU-China cooperation.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Japan-China Treaty of Peace and Friendship as well as the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said, proposing to take this year as an opportunity to lift Japan-China relations to a new level.

Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), wished the Chinese people a greater achievement in building socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) with Xi at the core, while expressing the belief that DPRK-China relations will develop in the interests of the two peoples.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in expressed the hope for China to realize national rejuvenation sooner with Xi's leadership, and to contribute to regional and global peace and development, while pledging joint efforts with Xi to steer bilateral relations toward maturity and into a new era.

Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov said Xi's election shows the Chinese people's confidence in the domestic and foreign policies Xi has pursued. He believes that Xi's experience in state governance and far-sightedness will enable new achievements in China's development.

Lao President Bounnhang Vorachit said he believes that under the CPC leadership with Xi at the core, China will make new achievements in building a modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful.

Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen said Xi's election shows the Chinese people's strong confidence that he will lead China toward new achievements, which will create more opportunities for other countries in seeking common development.

Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain said he believes China will forge ahead further toward the goal of national rejuvenation under Xi's leadership. He hopes his country and China will remain committed to their strategic partnership to benefit the two peoples.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte hailed Xi's leadership and grand vision for the future while noting the vitality constantly shown in bilateral relations. He said he believes the mutually beneficial cooperation between his country and China will be further strengthened.

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said he hopes to see further development of bilateral relations and greater progress in cooperation in various fields.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic expressed the belief that Xi's leadership will help China realize national rejuvenation, which he said will help maintain world peace and stability.

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he is confident that under Xi's leadership, "China will continue to forge ahead and realize its vision for a new era."

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said Xi's leadership will help enhance China's role and status on the global stage as a major country to contribute to regional and global stability and security.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said he believes that China, guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, will become a great socialist country which will continue to safeguard peace and promote a more balanced world. Enditem