Chinese, Russian presidents exchange New Year greetings

Beijing [China], Dec. 31 (ANI): Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have exchanged congratulatory messages ahead of the coming New Year. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, President Xi extended sincere greetings and good wishes to President Putin and the Russian people, reports Xinhua. President Xi said in his message that China and Russia have carried forward the concept of friendship between the two peoples' from generation to generation, enhanced communication and cooperation in various fields and coordination in international affairs, thus leading to the development of bilateral ties with new fruitful results. Xi pointed out that the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination has been an important force in promoting peace, development and stability in the region and the world. In the new year, the Chinese president said he is willing to continue to make joint efforts with President Putin in maintaining close high-level bilateral exchanges, consolidating strategic and mutual trust, promoting the Belt and Road construction and alignment with the Eurasian Economic Union, deepening practical cooperation and successfully holding the media exchange year. On his part, President Putin congratulated President Xi on the coming New Year and the Spring Festival and wished the Chinese people happiness and health. In 2016, Russia and China have carried out effective collaboration as always. The two sides successfully implemented the third program under the Russia-China Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, and effectively pushed for resolving major global and regional issues with coordination and collaboration, said President Putin. (ANI)