Premier Li Keqiang answers questions at a news conference after the conclusion of the national legislative session in Beijing, on May 28, 2020. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

BEIJING - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Monday sent a congratulatory message to Mark Brown on his taking office as the prime minister of the Cook Islands.

In his message, Li said that since the two countries established diplomatic relations 23 years ago, China and the Cook Islands have respected and supported each other, and achieved fruitful results in their bilateral relations.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said that since the two countries established diplomatic relations 23 years ago, China and the Cook Islands have respected and supported each other, and achieved fruitful results in their bilateral relations

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Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, Li said, China and the Cook Islands have helped and supported each other, demonstrating once again the friendship between the two peoples.

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Li said China attaches great importance to the development of relations with the Cook Islands, and stands ready to work with Cook Islands government to push for new progress in their comprehensive strategic partnership so as to better benefit the two peoples.