Chinese President Xi Jinping has congratulated North Korean leader Kim Jong-un upon his election to the post of the chairman of country's ruling party.

The 33-year-old temperamental and elusive North Korean leader was on Monday named the chairman of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)' ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) during a key party congress.

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Xi, who is also the general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), wrote a congratulatory letter to Kim on Monday that North Koreans will achieve new accomplishments by building socialism under the leadership of the WPK chairman.

The Chinese leader, in the letter, offered congratulations to Kim on the behalf of the Central Committee of the CPC. "I wish the Korean people fresh success in carrying out the cause of socialism under the leadership of the WPK headed by Chairman Kim Jong-un," the Chinese leader said in the letter, according to North Korean state media.

Xi described the ties between both countries as a shared invaluable asset. He noted that the relationship between China and North Korea was forged and carefully fostered by leaders of the older generation from both nations. "The traditional friendship is a treasure of both sides," Xi wrote.

"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," he added.

China is a longtime political supporter and the biggest trading partner of the secretive Korean state, known for military and rhetorical provocations targeted at South Korea. 

Tagschina, North Korea, Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un, DPRK