KIEV, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) will play a pivotal role in China's development for years to come, former Ukrainian President Leonid Kravchuk said in a recent interview.

"The 19th CPC National Congress has defined the strategy and determined the further steps for the development of China," Kravchuk, who is also the honorary president of the association of Ukraine-China friendship, said in the joint interview with a number of Chinese media outlets, including Xinhua.

He lauded the achievements China has made under the CPC's leadership in the past decades, noting that these accomplishments have offered an inspiring example for other nations.

"I am filled with admiration for the way the CPC is governing China. The CPC has been pursuing a policy of strengthening China, transforming and reforming it," the former Ukrainian leader said.

"I see how their plans are becoming a reality. These are not just statements. There is a real success," he added.

Kravchuk said that he had been closely monitoring the historic 19th Congress and was particularly impressed by Chinese President Xi Jinping's report to the opening session of the congress.

"He outlined a lot of new ideas. He has developed serious plans to cement China's leading positions in global politics, economy, defense, diplomacy. These tasks are very significant," Kravchuk said.

On Wednesday, Xi was re-elected general secretary of the CPC Central Committee at the first plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee.

The 19th CPC National Congress closed on Tuesday with the election of a a new CPC Central Committee and a new Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.

He hailed Xi's approach to domestic and foreign policies, saying that Xi's governing philosophy is highly effective.

"Xi Jinping is a strong, intelligent and experienced leader. He is very well aware of unique Chinese features and is able to adjust them to unique tasks. Also, his strength lies in the fact that the CPC and the people of China support him," Kravchuk said.

Referring to the Belt and Road Initiative, which was put forward by Xi in 2013, Kravchuk said it is a good instrument to promote win-win cooperation and equal partnership around the globe.

"China firmly adheres to the policy of non-interference. It does not impose its lifestyle upon others, but promotes cooperation. The Belt and Road Initiative is the vivid confirmation to this," Kravchuk said.

Xi also pledged to do his utmost to promote cooperation between Ukraine and China under the Belt and Road Initiative, saying the initiative serves the interests of both countries, he added.