BEIJING, June 22  -- China has congratulated Saudi Arabia's new Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and hopes for development in bilateral relations, a spokesperson said on Thursday.

"Saudi Arabia's stability and development serves the common interests of regional countries and the international community," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said at a regular news briefing.

"As comprehensive strategic partners, China will work with Saudi Arabia to implement the consensus reached between the two heads of state and promote a greater development in bilateral ties," Geng said.

Saudi King Salman issued a royal decree on Wednesday to remove Mohammed bin Nayef, a man known for years of counterterrorism efforts, from the posts of crown prince, deputy prime minister and minister of interior.

The King's 31-year-old son Mohammed bin Salman was named as the new crown prince and deputy prime minister while keeping the post of defense minister. He is known as an economic reformer preparing for the inevitable post-oil era.