Highlights of foreign congratulatory messages on Xi's election as Chinese president (8)

BEIJING, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Congratulations have been pouring in from around the world since Xi Jinping was elected Chinese president by a unanimous vote on Saturday at the annual session of the National People's Congress, China's national legislature.

Xi was also unanimously elected chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC).

In their congratulatory messages, leaders of foreign countries, political parties and organizations expressed confidence that under Xi's leadership, China will achieve greater prosperity and make more contributions to world peace and development.

The following is an edited version of some of the messages.

Senegalese President Macky Sall said his country is glad to see Xi's election as Chinese president, adding that he is willing to join Xi in pushing forward the development of the two countries' friendly relationship -- one that Senegal views as a priority -- as well as their active cooperation in various fields.

Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome expressed his sincere congratulations to Xi on the latter's election as Chinese president.

He said he believes that China, under Xi's leadership, will make greater achievements in economic development as well as scientific and technological progress, and make greater contributions to peace and development in the world.

Belgian King Philippe sent his warm congratulations to Xi, saying the development of Belgium-China relations, taken care of by Xi personally, has kept moving forward.

The king added that he is firmly convinced that thanks to the mutual trust and profound friendship between Belgium and China, the two countries will see a further deepening of their political and trade relations as well as people-to-people exchanges.

Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez expressed his "most sincere congratulations" to Xi on his unanimous election as Chinese president. He said he believes that the friendly relations between Uruguay and China will further deepen and bring more benefits to the two peoples.

Cecile La Grenade, governor-general of Grenada, said that in addition to bringing more benefits to people in China and around the world, Xi's election is conducive to promoting mutual respect and understanding between China and Grenada and deepening the friendship between the two peoples.

Noting that China has been Vanuatu's closest partner and friend since the two countries established diplomatic relationship, Vanuatuan President Tallis Obed Moses said Xi's election brings hope for stability and prosperity both in the Pacific island country and around the world. Enditem