BEIJING, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi has sent a congratulatory message to Hishammuddin Hussein on his assumption of office as Malaysia's foreign minister.

In his message dated Wednesday, Wang said China and Malaysia are traditional friendly neighbors and important cooperative partners.

The bilateral ties have been developing smoothly and achieved remarkable results in the cooperation of jointly building the Belt and Road in particular, Wang said, adding that tangible benefits have been brought to the people of the two countries in this regard.

Wang said he appreciates Hishammuddin's keen interest in China-Malaysia relations and expects to keep close communication with him to jointly promote the bilateral ties and safeguard regional peace and stability.