BEIJING — Premier Li Keqiang on Oct 13 congratulated his Portuguese counterpart Antonio Costa after Portugal’s former Prime Minister Antonio Guterres was appointed as the next UN secretary-general.

In his message of congratulations, Premier Li said Guterres is very experienced in and familiar with world affairs and has outstanding capabilities of leadership.

He said China believes that Guterres and the UN Secretariat will continue to play a major role in safeguarding world peace, promoting common development and pushing forward global cooperation.

The Premier stressed that China pays great attention to Sino-Portuguese relations and will work with Portugal in furthering the development of bilateral relations.

Guterres was also former UN High Commissioner for Refugees.