World leaders, parties, organizations congratulate Xi on election as CPC chief

BEIJING, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Congratulations continued to flow in from countries, political parties and friendship organizations around the world to Xi Jinping on his election as general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said the European Union-China relationship has developed tremendously since the launch of their comprehensive strategic partnership in 2003.

"We are looking forward to meeting you again to further promote our bilateral relations and our cooperation on international issues," they said.

Italian President Giorgio Napolitano recalled his meeting with Xi in Rome when Italy commemorated the 150th anniversary of the country's unification.

He said he believed that under Xi's leadership, Italy and China would further deepen bilateral cooperation and make greater efforts for peace and development of mankind.

Mozambican President Armando Emilio Guebuza, also president of the Mozambique Liberation Front Party, said the Mozambique-China strategic partnership stemmed from the traditional friendship between the two parties and peoples.

The Mozambique Liberation Front Party is ready to continue to consolidate and strengthen the friendly cooperative relations between the two parties and peoples, he said.

Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, also chairman of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi party, said Xi's election is "a clear testimony and affirmation of the confidence and trust" that members and leaders of the CPC have in him.