Xi congratulates Putin on reelection as Russian president

BEIJING, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday congratulated Vladimir Putin on his reelection as Russian president.

In recent years, the Russian people have united as one, overcome challenges, and made steady progress towards national development and revitalization, Xi said, adding that the reelection of Putin as Russian president fully reflects the Russian people's support for him.

Russia will surely make greater achievement in national development and construction under Putin's leadership, Xi said.

Noting that China attaches great importance to the development of China-Russia relations, Xi said China stands ready to maintain close communication with Russia to promote the sustained, sound, stable and in-depth development of China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era to benefit the two nations and their people.