BEIJING - China on Tuesday congratulated Mulatu Teshome on his election as President of Ethiopia.

"President Mulatu is an old friend of the Chinese people," Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a regular press briefing.

"We congratulate him on his victory," Hua said.

Ethiopian Parliament on Monday elected the new president replacing President Girma Wolde-Giorgis, who had served two six-year terms.

Hua said Ethiopia is an important cooperative partner in Africa. Since China and Ethiopia established diplomatic links 43 years ago, especially since they set up a comprehensive cooperative partnership in 2003, the two countries have continuingly enhanced mutual trust and expanded cooperation in all areas.

"The Chinese side is ready to work with the Ethiopian side to advance the comprehensive cooperative partnership in a sustained and extensive way for the greater benefits of the two peoples," Hua said.