BEIJING — Premier Li Keqiang on Jan 14 sent a congratulatory message to Alikhan Smailov on his assuming office as Kazakh prime minister.

In his message, Premier Li said China supports Kazakhstan's efforts to safeguard national security, social stability and people's well-being.

Premier Li expressed his belief that under the leadership of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the Kazakh government, Kazakhstan will restore stability and unity as soon as possible, and step towards its development goals.

Noting that since the establishment of the diplomatic ties 30 years ago, China-Kazakhstan relations have always maintained high-level development, Premier Li said China is ready to work with the Kazakh side to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, and continuously deepen practical cooperation, so as to lift the China-Kazakhstan permanent comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level for the benefit of both nations and peoples.