Russian President Vladimir Putin extended greetings to Chinese President Jiang Zemin on the first Chinese lunar New Year in the new century.

Putin said in a greeting on Wednesday that Russia and China are striding into the 21st century in a strategic partnership based on trust and equality with the objectives of insuring the smooth development of greater cooperation together.

"Russian-Chinese relations have become a powerful factor in safeguarding world peace and stability and in creating a democratic multi-polar order," the message read.

Putin deeply appreciated his private relations with Jiang, believing "the regular and fruitful high-level contacts between Russia and China will further contribute to consistent development of bilateral relations."

(Xinhua 01/25/2001)