Hu congratulates Putin on third presidential term

Beijing, May 7 (Xinhua/ANI): Chinese President Hu Jintao on Monday congratulated Vladimir Putin on his inauguration as Russian president.

In a message, Hu wished greater achievements of the Russian people in developing their country under Putin's leadership.

Hu said the relationship between China and Russia maintains good momentum.

China and Russia are each other's largest neighbor and most important strategic partner, said the Chinese president.

To develop a comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination is in line with the fundamental interests and common aspirations of the two peoples, and is conducive to regional and world peace, stability, development and prosperity, Hu said.

China attaches great importance to its relations with Russia, and is willing to work with Russia to deepen pragmatic cooperation in various fields and at various levels, and strengthen strategic coordination in international and regional affairs so as to push China-Russia relations to new levels and benefit the two peoples, he said.

Hu urged the two countries to take as priority the implementation of a 10-year blueprint for the development of bilateral ties on the basis of fruitful achievements already made.

Putin was sworn in on Monday as Russian president, starting his third term in the Kremlin following the two consecutive terms from 2000 to 2008. (Xinhua-ANI)