Beijing: Chinese President Jiang Zemin pledged to work jointly with India's new President A P J Abdul Kalam to establish a "constructive co-operative partnership" between the two countries based on Panchsheel.

In a congratulatory message to Kalam, Jiang pledged to join hands with him for the further development of a constructive co-operative partnership between the two countries on the basis of the five principles of peaceful co-existence.

"China and India are good neighbours and there is a long tradition of friendship between the two countries and the two peoples," Jiang was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency.

"Thanks to joint efforts, the development of Sino-Indian ties has gained momentum in recent years," Jiang said, adding bilateral exchanges have been increased and cooperation deepened and expanded.

In Nepal, King Gyanendra congratulated the new President and expressed confidence that Indo-Nepal ties will be further strengthened during Kalam's tenure.

"The King has wished the President success in his new responsibility and expressed confidence that the close and traditional friendship that so happily exists between the two countries will be further strengthened during Kalam's tenure of office," a release from Nepal's Foreign Ministry said.

The King also extended best wishes for the President's good health and happiness as well as for the peace, progress and prosperity of the people of India, it said.

PTI