China congratulates Pakistani PM on election

China on Monday congratulated Pakistani Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on taking office, pledging a closer partnership with the country.

"As a close neighbor of Pakistan, we will firmly support its efforts to boost national development and economic and social progress," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said when asked to comment on Ashraf's election.

"We are willing to continue strengthening our all-weather partnership with Pakistan," the spokesman told a regular press briefing.

Ashraf took the oath of office in Islamabad Friday night, replacing Yusuf Raza Gilani.