BEIJING, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Sunday sent a congratulatory message to Manuel Marrero who took office as Cuba's prime minister.

In his congratulatory message, Li said that China and Cuba have a deep-rooted traditional friendship and always respect, understand and support each other in the process of their respective national development and construction.

Li added that China is willing to work with Cuba, taking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties next year as an opportunity, to enhance high-level exchanges and deepen practical cooperation in various fields so as to better benefit the two countries and peoples.