Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday congratulated Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on his election as president of Kazakhstan.

In a congratulatory message, Xi said Tokayev being elected fully reflects the trust and support the people of Kazakhstan have in him.

"I attach great importance to the development of China-Kazakhstan relations," said Xi. "I am ready to work with you to take the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as a new starting point to promote the further development of China-Kazakhstan permanent comprehensive strategic partnership and join hands in building a China-Kazakhstan community with a shared future for the benefits of the two countries and peoples."

Tokayev, Kazakhstan's incumbent president, had been re-elected as the leader of the Central Asian country in a snap presidential race held on Sunday, according to the country's Central Election Commission.

(Cover: Kassym-Jomart Tokayev casts his ballot at a polling station in Almaty, Kazakhstan, November 20, 2022. /CFP)