China is willing to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in diverse fields and contribute to building the China-Pakistan community of a shared future, said Premier Li Keqiang in a congratulatory message to Imran Khan on his election as new Pakistani prime minister on Friday.

Premier Li said in the message that relations between China and Pakistan, labeled as an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, have maintained a healthy and steady development despite the challenges of time and the changing international scenario.

In recent years, the two countries have deepened their political mutual trust, made outstanding achievements in cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, and achieved productive outcomes in building the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which have brought solid benefits to both countries and peoples, Li said.

Premier Li said he appreciates Imran Khan’s positive statements on firmly supporting the development of China-Pakistan ties. The premier said he is willing to establish a sound working relationship and personal friendship with the new Pakistani prime minister to carry on the traditional friendship between the two neighbors.

Imran Khan was sworn in as Pakistani prime minister on Saturday in Islamabad.