Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang on Sunday congratulated PML-N leader Shehbaz Sharif on his election as the prime minister of Pakistan.

President Jinping said that Pakistan would be able to make new and greater achievements in national development and progress under the leadership of PM Sharif and the new government along with the united efforts of all sectors of Pakistan, according to the state-run news agency Xinhua.

He stressed that China and Pakistan should continue their traditional friendship, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, jointly build an upgraded version of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

The Chinese president expressed hope that the two countries will continue to deepen their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, build a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, and create more well-being for the two peoples.

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Chinese Premier Li Qiang of the State Council also sent a congratulatory message to the Sharif.

Sharif was elected as the prime minister for the second time after securing 201 votes in the National Assembly.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi also congratulated Sharif on his election as the PM, Radio Pakistan reported.

In his felicitation message, he expressed determination to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

He expressed his desire that the new government would put all-out efforts for the betterment of people and the country as well.