BEIJING, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday congratulates Bidya Devi Bhandari on assuming office as Nepal's president for a second term.

In a congratulatory message, Xi said China and Nepal are close neighbors. China always respects and supports the Nepalese people's independent choice of social system and development path, and believes that Nepal will make greater achievements under the leadership of Bhandari and the Nepalese government.

Xi also said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Nepal relations, and is willing to join efforts with Bhandari to promote China-Nepal comprehensive cooperative partnership of lasting friendship for constant achievements.

Bhandari was re-elected as the president of Nepal on Tuesday.