Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message to Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, lauding his re-election in a historic third term.
In the letter, Putin called Xi his “friend” and praised the two nations’ “strategic cooperation” and “fruitful” relationship.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and Russian President Vladimir Putin pose for a photo on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. (Alexandr Demyanchuk, Sputnik, Kremlin pool photo via AP)
“Dear friend, please accept sincere congratulations on your re-election,” Putin said in a statement released by the Kremlin on Friday.
“Russia greatly appreciates your personal contribution to strengthening ties… and strategic cooperation between our nations,” Putin wrote.
Xi won his third five-year term as president on Friday, following a vote by the country’s mostly ceremonial legislature.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping applauds during a session of the Chinese National People’s Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday, March 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
“I am sure that by working together, we will ensure the development of fruitful Russian-Chinese cooperation in all kinds of different areas,” the letter continues. “We will continue to coordinate joint work on key regional and international issues.”
The message concludes with a wish for good health and prosperity in the coming years.
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This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a concert at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow. (Contributor/Getty Images)
THE National People’s Congress voted 2,952 to 0 to re-elect Xi, who is 69, putting him on track to stay in power for life.
Xi’s victory was a foregone conclusion as he sidelined potential rivals and filled the top ruling ranks Communist Party with his own supporters since he came to power in 2012.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping walks to cast his vote during a session of China’s National People’s Congress to select state leaders at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday, March 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
In tandem with the extension of the presidency, Xi was unanimously appointed commander of the People’s Liberation Army, the formal name for the Chinese military.
Fox News’ Lawrence Richard contributed to this report.
