Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has sent a congratulatory message to Patrice Trovoada on his taking office as prime minister of Sao Tome and Principe.

In the message, Li said since the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries, China and Sao Tome and Principe have seen their relations develop soundly and smoothly, with deepened political trust and advanced mutually beneficial cooperation that have benefited the two peoples.

The Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of relations with Sao Tome and Principe and is ready to work together with it for new progress in China-Sao Tome and Principe comprehensive cooperative partnership to better benefit the two countries and peoples, he said.

China and Sao Tome and Principe, an island country in Central Africa, resumed diplomatic relations in December 2016.

(Cover: File of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. /Xinhua)