Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Sunday sent a congratulatory message to Nguyen Phu Trong for his re-election as the general secretary of the 13th Communist Party of the Vietnam Central Committee (CPVCC).

In his message, Xi congratulated Trong for his re-election, saying the country, under the leadership of Trong and the CPVCC, will make greater progress in national development.

Viewing China and Vietnam as socialist neighbors and a community of a shared future with strategic significance, Xi expected the two countries would continue deepening cooperation in all areas, jointly promote the socialist cause, and push forward regional and global peace and development.

Xi also said he stands ready to work with Trong to jointly steer the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership along the path of sustainable, healthy and stable development, bring more benefits to the people in both countries, and make positive contributions to promoting regional and global peace, development and win-win cooperation.

The 13th CPVCC on Sunday re-elected Trong as the party's general secretary for his third term, Vietnam News Agency reported.

The election took place at the first meeting of the newly elected 13th CPVCC on Sunday morning during the ongoing 13th CPV National Congress scheduled from January 25 to February 1.

The CPVCC's politburo, secretariat, inspection commission and head of the inspection commission were also elected at the meeting, according to the news agency.

A total of 1,587 delegates representing over 5.1 million members of the CPV are attending the national congress.

(With input from Xinhua)