According to a message published on the national channel CCTV, Jinping expressed his conviction that “Russia will be able to make greater achievements in development and national construction” under Putin’s leadership.

Elsewhere in the text, Xi noted that “in recent years, the Russian people have united as one to overcome challenges and steadily has advanced on the path of national development and rejuvenation.”

He added that China attaches great importance to bilateral relations and is willing to maintain close communication with Moscow to promote the sustained, healthy, stable, and profound advancement of the comprehensive strategic partnership.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian also congratulated Putin on his re-election and recalled that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The presidential elections in Russia were held from March 15 to 17 and according to official data, president Putin led with more than 87 percent of the votes.

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