14 Mar 2013 14:59

Putin congratulates new Chinese president by phone - Kremlin

MOSCOW. March 14 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Xi Jinping, who was confirmed as president of China, and has wished him success in his work during a telephone conversation, the Kremlin press service reported on Thursday.

"The sides praised the development of the strategic partnership between Russia and China and reiterated their interest in further broadening cooperation in all areas and strengthening ties in the international area," it said.

Putin and Xi also pledged to continue their personal contacts and reaffirmed the "importance of the Chinese leader's upcoming state visit to Moscow," the Kremlin said.