Vladimir Putin on Sunday won another six year term as President of Russia by a big margin, securing more than 76% of the vote, according official results.
Following his win, congratulatory messages poured in from world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping.
In a press conference held early on Monday, China’s foreign ministry conveyed President Xi’s message to Putin, lauding the good relationship between the two nations.
It said the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia had continued to improve at a steady and healthy pace, and that ties between the two nations were at an all-time high.
“Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a congratulatory message to Putin. On March 17th, President Xi Jinping was elected Chinese president by a unanimous vote during the 13th National People’s Congress. President Putin also sent a congratulatory message to President Xi Jinping as soon as results were announced,” a speech from the Chinese foreign ministry’s spokesperson Hua Chunying read in part.
She also announced an upcoming visit to China by President Putin, though did not give an official date.
“President Putin will visit China as part of a mechanism of annual mutual visits. China believes under the leadership of President Putin, Russia will continue to develop steadily and play a bigger role in international affairs,” she said.
Putin’s win now means he will rule Russia until 2024.
