BEIJING, May 9 -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Monday congratulated Kim Jong Un on his election as chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), the ruling party of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

On behalf of the CPC Central Committee and in his own name, Xi said he hoped that the DPRK people will achieve new accomplishments in the cause of building socialism under the leadership of the WPK headed by Kim.

The China-DPRK friendship was personally forged and carefully fostered by the two countries' leaderships of the older generation, said Xi, adding that the traditional friendship is a treasure of both sides.

Xi also noted that the CPC and the Chinese government attach great importance to the ties between the DPRK and China.

China stands ready to work with the DPRK to promote the constant development of bilateral relations for the benefit of the two countries and the two peoples, and to make positive contributions to safeguarding peace, stability and development in the region, said Xi.