BEIJING, Jan. 23-- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday congratulated the new Saudi king, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, on his succession to the throne of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In his congratulatory message, Xi said China and Saudi Arabia have made great progress in bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1990.

Xi said the two countries are not only good friends that trust each other, but also partners engaged in close cooperation.

"I attach great importance to the development of China-Saudi Arabia relations and stand ready to work with you to promote the development of the strategic friendly relations between the two countries," Xi said.

Abdullah, born in 1924, was hospitalized in December for pneumonia and was put on assisted breathing. He died at 1:00 a.m. on Friday (2200 GMT Thursday).

Salman, Abdullah's half-brother, has become the new king of Saudi Arabia, while Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz was declared the new crown prince.