BEIJING — Chinese Premier Li Qiang sent a congratulatory message on Monday to Kamel Maddouri on his assuming office as the prime minister of the Republic of Tunisia.

Noting that China and Tunisia enjoy traditional friendship, Li said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties 60 years ago, bilateral relations have enjoyed sustained, sound and steady development.

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In May, Tunisian President Kais Saied paid a state visit to China and attended the opening ceremony of the 10th ministerial conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, Li said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Saied held fruitful talks and the two heads of state announced the establishment of China-Tunisia strategic partnership, drawing a new blueprint for the development of bilateral relations, he added.

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Noting that the Chinese government attaches great importance to developing China-Tunisia relations, Li said he stands ready to work together with Maddouri to fully implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, enhance political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation and push for new and greater development of China-Tunisia strategic partnership.