BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a congratulatory message to Yamandu Orsi on his election as president of Uruguay.

Noting that China and Uruguay are good friends trusting each other and enjoying win-win cooperation, Xi said that the two countries have always adhered to mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit since establishing diplomatic ties 36 years ago.

The two sides have firmly supported each other on issues concerning their core interests, achieved fruitful results in practical cooperation across various fields, and forged a deep-rooted friendship between their people, Xi said.

He added that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Uruguay relations, and is willing to work with Orsi to continue the China-Uruguay friendship and push for more results from the China-Uruguay comprehensive strategic partnership, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples.

On the same day, Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng sent a congratulatory message to Uruguayan Vice-President-Elect Carolina Cosse.