BEIJING -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has sent a message to Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill to congratulate him on his reelection as the head of government of the South Pacific island nation.

On August 2, Papua New Guinea's parliament reelected O'Neill prime minister for a new five-year term.

In his congratulatory message dated Aug 4, Li said that China-Papua New Guinea relations have achieved substantial development since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1976. The two sides have trusted each other politically and have launched mutually beneficial cooperation economically, besides supporting each other in multilateral affairs, he said.

The development of China-Papua New Guinea relations has brought tangible interests to the two peoples, and has also promoted stability and prosperity of the region of Pacific island nations, Li noted.

"I am looking forward to making efforts with you to deepen China-Papua New Guinea exchange and cooperation in all fields, and promote further development of the strategic partnership between the two countries, in the better interest of the two peoples," Li said.