Russian President Putin's congratulatory message to Chinese President

Vladimir Putin is confident that his forthcoming talks with Chinese President Jiang Zemin will serve "the further development of mutual understanding and cooperation" between the two countries. This was disclosed in the Russian President's congratulatory message to the President of China, the Kremlin press-service reported.

"I am honestly congratulating you in connection with the successful XVI congress of the Chinese Communist Party - the most important event in the life of the friendly neighbouring China," the document states.

"Russia is very happy that the congress announced with the Chinese foreign policy course, which includes the development of the Russo-Chinese strategic cooperation, to which China greatly contributed", Vladimir Putin stressed.

According to the Russian President, he is looking forward to his meeting with Jiang Zemin in Beijing.