Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday congratulated Andy Burnham on assuming office as British prime minister.

Li said that China and Britain are both permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and major economies in the world, adding that strengthening dialogue and cooperation between the two countries not only serves the development of both sides but also injects stability into global peace.

He expressed his readiness to work with Prime Minister Burnham to strengthen exchanges, enhance mutual trust, promote cooperation in various fields, and push forward the long-term, stable and comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Britain so as to better benefit the two countries and their peoples.