Xi says China attaches great importance to development of China-Russia ties

BEIJING, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday that China attaches great importance to the development of China-Russia relations.

In a congratulatory message to Vladimir Putin on his reelection as Russian president, Xi said China stands ready to maintain close communication with Russia to promote the sustained, sound, stable and in-depth development of China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era to benefit the two nations and their people.