President Hu Jintao sent congratulations Sunday to Jose Ramos-Horta on his election as the new president of Timor-Leste.

In his message Hu expressed his congratulations and good wishes to Ramos-Horta. "I believe that under your leadership, the people of Timor-Leste will make new progress in building your country."

China and Timor-Leste are friendly neighbors and bilateral relations have made smooth progress on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence since diplomatic ties were established five years ago, Hu said.

The Chinese president said cooperation and exchanges in the political and economic fields have been gradually developed between the two sides, along with the understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

Hu said China attaches great importance to building friendly cooperative relations with Timor-Leste and fully supports the country's reconstruction work.

"I am willing to make joint efforts with you to enhance bilateral friendly exchanges, expand pragmatic cooperation, and push forward the healthy development of China-Timor Leste relations," he added.

Ramos-Horta was elected president in the second round of Timor Leste's elections on Wednesday.

(Xinhua News Agency May 14, 2007)