BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday sent a congratulatory message to Taneti Maamau on his reelection as Kiribati's president.

In his congratulatory message, Xi pointed out that China and Kiribati are good friends, good partners and good brothers.

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Since the resumption of China-Kiribati diplomatic ties in September 2019, the two countries have witnessed increasing political mutual trust, fruitful practical cooperation and close people-to-people and sub-national exchanges, Xi said, adding that the two sides have always understood and supported each other on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns.

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Noting that he prizes the development of China-Kiribati relations, Xi said that he would like to work with Maamau to promote the steady and long-term development of bilateral ties so as to bring more benefits to the people of the two countries.