Putin congratulates China’s Xi on third term, praises ‘strategic cooperation’

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday sent a congratulatory message to Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulating him on his re-election to a historic third term.

In the letter, Putin called Xi his “friend” and praised the “strategic cooperation” and “fruitful” relations between the two countries.

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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. (Alexander Demyanchuk, Kremlin pool photo via Sputnik, AP)

In a statement released by the Kremlin on Friday, Putin said: “Dear friend, please accept our warmest congratulations on the occasion of your re-election.”

“Russia attaches great importance to your personal contribution to strengthening ties and strategic cooperation between our countries,” 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 China’s National People’s Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Friday, March 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

“I am sure that working together, we will ensure the development of fruitful Russian-Chinese cooperation in all kinds of different fields,” the letter continues. “We will continue to coordinate joint work on the most important regional and international issues.”

The message ends with a wish for good health and prosperity in the years to come.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a concert at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. (Contributor/Getty Images)

National People’s Congress Voted 0 to 2,952 to re-elect Xi, who is 69, on his way to remaining in power for life.

Xi’s victory was a foregone conclusion as he sidelined potential rivals and filled top governance positions Communist Party With his supporters since coming to power for the first time in 2012.

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China’s President Xi Jinping walks to cast his vote during a session of China’s National People’s Congress to elect state leaders at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Friday, March 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

With the extension of the presidency, Xi was unanimously named commander People’s Liberation Army, The formal name for China’s military.

Fox News’ Lawrence Richard contributed to this report.