Xi Jinping was elected general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee at the first plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee on Thursday morning. [Xinhua]

Leaders of foreign countries and political parties have sent messages to congratulate Xi Jinping on his election as general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

Ilham Aliyev, leader of the New Azerbaijan Party and Azerbaijani president, said, under the leadership of Xi, the CPC would make new contributions to China's development, the improvement of people's livelihoods and the enhancement of world peace and security.

The CPC, led by Xi, would carry out closer cooperation with foreign parties, including those of Azerbaijan, Aliyev said, adding he believed the mutual trust between his party and the CPC would boost communication between the two countries in economic, political and social fields.

Uzbek President Islam Karimov sent heartfelt congratulations to Xi and recalled meeting Xi during his recent visit to China, which he said bore significance to developing effective cooperation between Uzbekistan and China.

The president believed that, with the consistent support of Xi, Uzbekistan and China would coordinate efforts in implementing their joint declaration on the establishment of a strategic partnership, benefiting the two peoples.

Kyrgyzstan's President Almazbek Atambayev, in a message, conveyed sincere congratulations to Xi on his election as CPC chief and said, under the leadership of CPC, China had scored eye-catching achievements in opening up and pushing forward social and economic reforms.

The president said the strategic decisions made at the 18th CPC National Congress would further enhance the neighborly friendship and mutual-benefit cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and China.

Goodluck Jonathan, president of the People's Democratic Party of Nigeria and Nigerian president, said Xi's election expressed his huge contribution to China's fast development, and showed the people were convinced under Xi's leadership, China would score greater achiements and make contributions to world peace.

Nigeria was willing to work with China in the world arena to cope with challenges from various fields, he said.

Dioncounda Traore, president of the Alliance for Democracy in Mali-Pan-African Party for Liberty, Solidarity and Justice, and president of Mali, said Xi's election was recognition of his ruling ability by the Chinese people.

Mali iterated its willingness to further develop the friendly and cooperative ties with China, he said.

Guinea's President Lansana Conte said China would make new achievements in economic, social and cultural development under Xi's able leadership.

Xi would be committed to promoting the friendly and cooperative relations between Africa and China, he said.

Isaias Afewerki, chairman of Eritrea's People's Front for Democracy and Justice and also the country's president, said "we are very much inspired by the proceedings of the 18th Congress of the CPC this week, which undertook, among other things, a sober appraisal of the changing global realities to affirm adherence to key principles of international law and the commonality of our collective interests to ensure global peace and sustainable economic growth."

"I am sure and confident that these multifaceted ties will grow further between our respective governments and political parties in the period ahead under your stewardship of the CPC," he said.

Liberian Unity Party leader and Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf said the her government would firmly adhere to the one-China policy and make joint efforts with China to promote mutually beneficial cooperation and common prosperity between the two countries and peoples, as well as the peace and harmony in the world.

President of Comoros Ikililou Dhoinine Madi said China would make greater progress on economic growth and the prosperity of the country under Xi's leadership.

Ikililou said Comoros would continue to firmly adhere to the one-China policy and support China in international affairs.

Leader of the Labor Party and Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg said, "I am convinced that your election will greatly benefit China and the Chinese people."

"My country was among the first countries to recognize the People's Republic of China, and has a long-standing ambition to be a friend of China," Stoltenberg said, "I hope that your election will also further the strengthening of friendship between China and Norway."

Rui Duarte Barros, prime minister of Guinea Bissau, wished Xi greater success in the noble post as the general secretary of the CPC. He his government already regarded China as one of the main cooperative partners on its road of development.

Sheikh Hasina, president of the Bangladesh Awami League and Prime Minister of Bangladesh, congratulated the CPC for successfully implementing the policy of reform and opening-up, maintaining the stability of China's economic development, and enhancing the country's international influence. She said she firmly believed the friendship between the two countries would continue to promote all-round development of bilateral relations.

Baldwin Spencer, leader of the United Progressive Party of Antigua and Barbuda and the country's prime minister, commended the CPC for the remarkable achievements the Chinese people had made under its leadership. He looked forward to continued cooperation based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit which he believed would take the cooperative relationship between the two countries to a new level.

Lord Fakafanua, speaker of the Tongan Legislative Assembly, extended to Xi his warmest congratulations and best wishes. He said China's assistance helped facilitate and contribute to the further development of friendly relations and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Khaleda Zia, chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, said Xi's election showed the Chinese people's trust and confidence in him to lead them at this challenging time. She believed, under Xi's leadership, ties between the two countries would grow in strength.

Sergei Stanishev, president of the Party of European Socialists, said in his message, "I would like to congratulate you on your appointment as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China at the 18th National Party Congress."

"I believe that our close cooperation can advance the process of political, social and economic reform, both in China and Europe," he said.

"We have succeeded in establishing a framework which ensures an effective bilateral political interaction, including regular strategic exchanges and substantial cooperation in a number of areas," he said, adding that "in the next five years, I am confident we can take our common agenda even-further."

Hannes Swoboda, president of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, said: "Please accept my warm congratulations on your election and my best wishes for your success as you prepare to take up the responsibilities and chanllenges of your high office as General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party ..."

"I am convinced that under your leadership, the CPC will accomplish new achievements on the path to building a prosperous and modern country and increase China's standing in the international arena," he said.

"I am fully convinced the decisions taken in this framework will lead to the deepening of the relationship between the People's Republic of China and the European Union, to a strengthening of friendship and of good relations between us," he said.

Acting leader of the Party for Democracy and Socialism and Niger Foreign Minister Mohamed Bazoum, said in a message he wished Xi and other CPC leaders success in implementing the resolutions and policies of the 18th National Congress of the CPC.

"I am convinced under your briliant leadership, China will continue to have success in promoting social development and the people's well-being, and protect international peace and development as in the past," he said.

The leader of the Czech Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia, Vojtech Filip, said in a congratulatory message Xi's new role was of great importance to the prosperity of China's society and its hardworking people.

"We are convinced that, under your leadership, the CPC will be sure to play an important role in international affairs," he said.

President of the Social Democratic Party of Moldova Victor Selin said: "The XVIII Congress of the party demonstrates for the whole world the Communist Party of China is a power not only for Chinese people, but also for all the international society, which followed these days the work of the congress and awaited your appointment as General Secretary."

"At the same time, we would like to stress that the role and significance of your country in promoting a safe, stable and prosperous China places enormous responsibility on your shoulders," Selin said.

Secretary General of Botswana's Democratic Party Mpho Balopi said: "We in the BDP recognize the CPC National Congress has always provided guidelines and formulated programmes that have seen China become a prosperous economy for the People's Republic of China and a crucial partner in directing and contributing to futuristic international development."

"We cherish the relationships between our parties and countries, our historical ties and our common cause to better the lives of our people," Balopi said.