Newly elected President Xi Jinping spoke with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin by phone on Thursday, with both sides pledging to strengthen ties.

Putin congratulated Xi on his election as Chinese president, saying the Russia-China relationship was of great significance as it was a major contributor to world peace and stability.

Putin said Russia was busy preparing for, and looking forward to, Xi's upcoming visit to Russia.

Putin also said that he believed the visit will further promote bilateral cooperation, exchanges between the peoples of both countries and strengthen relations.

Xi said Putin's phone call shows that the Russian president places a high priority on relations.

Xi said China was keen to work with Russia to boost their cooperation in various fields.

The Chinese president added that he was looking forward to meeting with Putin during his visit to Russia.

He also expressed his wish to exchange views with the Russian president on ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation as well as on major international and regional affairs.

Xi also said he believed his visit to Russia would inject new vigor into Russia-China relations.

(China Daily 03/15/2013 page12)