KATHMANDU, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Nepali Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli on Saturday congratulated Imran Khan on his election as the new prime minister of Pakistan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

In his congratulatory message to Khan on Saturday, Sharma Oli recalled friendly relations between Nepal and Pakistan while extending his wishes for successful tenure of Khan.

"In the message, the prime minister has also expressed hope that bilateral relations between Nepal and Pakistan will be further strengthened during the tenure of Prime Minister Khan," the ministry said in the press statement.

Cricketer-turned-politician Khan was sworn in as Pakistan's 22nd prime minister on Saturday. Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain administered the oath in a ceremony which was attended by diplomats, ministers, lawmakers, other political leaders, military and civil officials and dignitaries.

The national assembly, or the lower house of the parliament, elected Khan as prime minister on Friday.

Khan garnered 176 votes as against 96 votes secured by his only rival Shehbaz Sharif of the opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, or Movement for Justice, emerged as the single largest party in the July 25 parliamentary elections.