BEIJING, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has extended congratulations to Gambian President-elect Adama Barrow.

In a congratulatory message sent on Friday, Xi said that China and Gambia have been fully carrying out friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas since the two countries resumed their diplomatic relations in March.

Facts have proved that the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries is in line with the trend of the times and conforms with the fundamental interests of the two countries and their peoples, Xi said.

"I attach great importance to the development of China-Gambia relations and stand ready to work with you to continuously deepen bilateral relations so as to bring more benefits the two peoples," said the Chinese president.

Opposition candidate Adama Barrow on Friday won Gambia's presidential election, defeating President Yahya Jammeh, who has been ruling the West African nation for 22 years.