BEIJING, March 17 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping received the credentials of eight new ambassadors to China on Friday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

The ambassadors are Zvi Heifetz from Israel, Ahmad T.A.Berwari from Iraq, Antonia Hugh from Jamaica, Mbelwa Kairuki from Tanzania, Dusan Bella from Slovakia, Jose S.L.Sta.Romana from the Philippines, Piriya Khempon from Thailand and John McCallum from Canada.

Xi welcomed the ambassadors to their posts and asked them to convey his greetings to the leaders and people of their countries. He said the Chinese government will support their work, calling on them to contribute to cementing people's friendship and developing ties with China.

Xi appreciated China's friendly ties with those countries, adding that China is ready to enhance political trust with them, step up substantial cooperation in various areas and cultural exchanges, and strengthen cooperation in global affairs.

The ambassadors congratulated China on the success of this year's two sessions, and hailed China's development achievements and as well as its role in global affairs.

They conveyed greetings from their state leaders to Xi, adding their countries highly value their relations with China and expect to participate in the China-proposed Belt and Road initiative.