On March 19, 2018, President Xi Jinping held telephone talks with President Vladimir Putin of Russia.
Xi Jinping congratulated Russia on the successful holding of the presidential election as well as Vladimir Putin on his re-election as President of Russia. Xi Jinping pointed out that Mr. President’s successful re-election is a right choice made by the Russian people. It is believed that under Mr. President's leadership, the Russian people will definitely continue focusing their attention and energy and forging ahead in unity, so as to constantly make new achievements in national development and construction. At present, both China and Russia are at a crucial period of national development and rejuvenation. This year is the first year for China to implement the spirit of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and also marks the 40th anniversary of the reform and opening-up. Compared to previous years, the “Two Sessions” of China this year bear greater significance. In addition to the election of new state organs and leaders of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, important proposals such as constitutional amendment and draft supervision law were discussed and a new round of institutional restructuring of the State Council has started. Such gestures are conducive to better uniting and encouraging the Chinese people to strive for realizing the Chinese Dream of great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. I fully agree with the important ideas on such areas as Russia’s national construction, improvement of the people's livelihood, and scientific and technological innovation Mr. President proposed in the recent State of the Union address. It is believed that both China and Russia will stick to their own development paths in the predetermined direction and make new achievements.
Xi Jinping stressed that China and Russia are comprehensive strategic partners of coordination that stand together through thick and thin. I have met with Mr. President for many times, and we have jointly led China-Russia relations to withstand the test of the international vicissitudes and reach the best period in history. As China and Russia are both major countries in the world, China is willing to continue joining hands with Russia to intensify connections, deepen cooperation, and jointly draw blueprint for the development of bilateral relations in the next stage, in a bid to lead China-Russia relations into a new era.
Vladimir Putin once again congratulated Xi Jinping on his election as Chinese President. He expressed that this important decision of China's National People’s Congress (NPC) once again proves the high prestige of Xi Jinping and the support for him from all the Chinese people. The series of decisions made by the NPC of China will further promote the development of China and are completely correct. Russia congratulated and firmly supported them. Thanks to Xi Jinping’s promotion in person, the current Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination is at the highest level in history. Russia cherishes the friendship with China, and is willing to work with China to intensify high-level exchanges and deepen bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination.