BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday congratulated Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on his election as the new president of the European Council.

In a message, Xi said cooperation between China and the European Union (EU) faces important opportunities as both sides are at a crucial stage in their respective development.

Pushing for the long-term and stable development of China-EU relations is not only in the interests of the two sides but also conducive to world peace and prosperity, Xi said.

China attaches great importance to its ties with the EU and supports the European integration process, he added.

China is ready to work with the EU to promote peace, growth, reform and civilization and lift the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership to higher levels, Xi said.

Tusk was elected European Council president at an EU summit on Sunday.