Putin congratulates Xi on election as Chinese president

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday sent a message to his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, congratulating him on his election as Chinese president.

Xi was elected Chinese president by a unanimous vote on Saturday morning at the ongoing session of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature. [Special coverage]

The choice made by the NPC "once again proves your high prestige, and represents a recognition of your contribution to promoting China's rapid economic and social development and safeguarding China's national interests on the global stage," said Putin.

The Russian leader noted that in recent years, thanks largely to Xi's personal push, Russia-China relations have reached an unprecedented height, setting a true example for developing equality-based and mutually beneficial cooperation between major countries.

"I will be very happy to hold new meetings with you," Putin said. "I am confident that with the joint efforts of both sides, we will surely further consolidate and enrich the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination."

That will undoubtedly improve the well-being of the friendly Russian and Chinese people and promote the security and stability of Eurasia and the world at large, he added.

"I wish you ... new achievements in the important post of Chinese president," he said.