BEIJING - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Monday congratulated New Zealand Prime Minister John Key on winning a third term in office in Saturday's general election.

In a congratulatory message, Li spoke highly of the major strides that have been made in the development of China-New Zealand relations in recent years.

The friendly exchange and practical cooperation between China and New Zealand have been fruitful in all fields, Li pointed out.

China is willing to work with New Zealand to maintain high-level close contacts of all grades, deepen cooperation in priority fields, strengthen communication and coordination on international and regional affairs, and promote the comprehensive cooperative relationship between the two countries to a higher level, he added.