BEIJING - Chinese President Hu Jintao on Monday congratulated Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on his election to the country's presidency.

In his congratulatory message, President Hu said the Russians have made tremendous progress in promoting national stability and development in the new century, adding that he believed they would make even more promising achievements in the great cause of building a strong and prosperous Russia.

China and Russia are friendly neighbors and enjoy a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation, Hu said.

He also said consolidating the China-Russia friendship, expanding cooperation for mutual benefit, and deepening strategic coordination are vital to promote their common development and revival, and preserve regional and world peace and stability.

China would like to join Russia in implementing the 10-year blueprint for the development of bilateral ties, as well as other cooperation agreements so as to further promote their strategic partnership to even higher levels, he said.