President Xi Jinping sent a message on Monday to Louise Arbour, congratulating her on assuming office as the 31st governor general of Canada.

In the message, Xi said that the sound and steady development of China-Canada ties serves the common interests of both countries, and is conducive to world peace, stability, development and prosperity.

He said he attaches great importance to the development of bilateral ties. Xi expressed the willingness to work with Arbour to advance the China-Canada new strategic partnership along a sound, stable and sustainable track in the spirit of mutual respect, mutual benefit and win-win results, as well as seeking common ground while shelving differences.

Arbour, 79, was installed as Canada's new governor general on Monday after a swearing-in ceremony.

jihaisheng@chinadaily.com.cn