In a telegraph, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder extended his hearty congratulations to Hu and wished him success in his new post and in fulfilling his task.

President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev hailed Hu's election, saying that under the leadership of the CPC, China has adopted creative domestic and foreign policies and made historic achievements, thus boosting the country's international prestige.

"I would like to point out, with satisfaction, that with joint efforts, Kazakhstan-China relations have reached a new level with new content added constantly," Nazarbayev said in his congratulatory message to Hu.

He expressed his belief that bilateral, traditionally friendly cooperative ties would further develop in the interest of the two peoples.

Norodom Ranarith, president of the National United Front for Independence, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia (FUNCINPEC), warmly congratulated the successful convention of the CPC's 16th National Congress and Hu Jintao's election as the party's leader.

"I have admired the vast achievements made in the cause of opening up and reform, which were advocated and implemented by Deng Xiaoping, the late outstanding leader of the Chinese people, and which have been pushed forward by His Excellency Jiang Zemin, (president of China)," Ranarith said.

China would make greater progress in national development under the CPC's leadership, he added.

The FUNCINPEC party would follow the instructions of King Norodom Sihanouk to stay with the one China principle and continue to support China in its cause of unification, Ranarith said.

Leaders of the Free National Movement of Bahamas, Leader D.A.T.Turnquest and National Chairman Uwight S.L. Saywer, sent a congratulatory message to Hu, and said they hope for closer relations with the People's Republic of China.

The message said that in recent years, the Bahamas had maintained friendly and harmonious ties with China. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the Bahamas had greatly benefited from such ties, especially from cultural exchanges and cooperation.

Antonio Maidana, general secretary of the Communist Party of Paraguay, and International Relations Secretary Carids Luis Casabianca of the party said in their message that the CPC is a party of great international influence and its leadership transition is of constructive significance, and would enable the struggle of generations of revolutionaries to continue.

They hailed the extraordinary progress China has achieved, saying the achievements have been made because the CPC abides by the general principles of socialism and at the same time respects the historical particularity of China.

They said one of their important tasks in pursuing liberation was to establish all-around relations with the People's Republic of China.

In his message, Grenada United Labor Party Political Leader and leader of the opposition Michael Baptiste expressed hope for a further development of the friendly ties between the two parties.

Sierra Leone President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah said in his message to Hu: "Your Excellency's election as General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has fully demonstrated trust for you from your party and the Chinese people."

Mozambique President Joaquim Alberto Chissano, also President of the Mozambique Liberation Front Party, said in his message: "The friendship, unity and cooperation between the Mozambique Liberation Front Party and the Chinese Communist Party, other political forces and institutions and individuals will guarantee success in our striving for peace, and for the realization of rights in political, economic, social and cultural development."

Donald Ramotar, the general secretary of Guyana People's Progressive Party, said in his message: "The Chinese Communist Party is the largest communist party in the world and also China's leading party. Therefore, it shoulders significant responsibilities for the lofty cause of safeguarding world peace. "It continued: "Ever since 1978, the Chinese people, under the leadership of the CPC, have been striding along the path for economic and social development and have scored remarkable achievements, thanks to the CPC's creative pursuit for further development."

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Chile Gladys Marin wished the Chinese people greater success in their socialism drive under the leadership of Hu Jintao and the newly-elected Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the 16th CPC Central Committee and the CPC Central Committee.

Tanzanian President Ali Hassan Mwinyi, also Chairman of the Revolutionary Party of Tanzania, said in his message: "We are glad to see that the 16th CPC National Congress has been a great success and the CPC has realized a smooth leadership transition at the meeting."

Turkmenistan President Saparmurad Atayevich Niyazov said in his message: "The 16th CPC National Congress is of great historical significance. The achievements made at the meeting have proved once again that the CPC enjoys great prestige among the Chinese people, and CPC leaders have great ability, wisdom and broad vision. The Chinese people, under the leadership of the CPC, are charging ahead in realizing social stability and the sustainable development of social economy, and the promotion of status in the world arena."

Seychelles President France Albert Rene expressed belief that the stable, friendly cooperative ties between Seychelles and China will be further cemented. He also pledged the utmost efforts from the Seychelles government and the people to this end.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, also the general secretary of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front, said in his message that his party will commit itself to strengthening its friendly ties with the Communist Party of China.

Ambroise Noumazaley, Secretary-General of the Congolese Labor Party, wished the newly-elected CPC leadership great success in fulfilling the tasks set forth at the 16th CPC National Congress.

President of Zanzibar, Amani Abeid Karume, expressed belief in his message that "Your Excellency will go ahead under the guidelines of the late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, and carry forward the glorious traditions of Chinese President Jiang Zemin."

Comoros President Azali Assoumani said in his message that the guidelines set forth at this historic 16th CPC National Congress are bound to enable Hu Jintao to lead and unite the Chinese people in their efforts to improve social welfare, strengthen territorial integrity and forge friendly ties with other countries in the world.

(People's Daily November 21, 2002)