The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday congratulated Vladimir Putin on his inauguration as president of Russia.

Putin was sworn in for his fifth term as Russian president on Tuesday at the Kremlin inauguration, beginning another six-year tenure.

In response, Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the ministry, said it is believed that Russia will make new achievements in its economic and social development under the leadership of President Putin.

China-Russia relations have maintained sound and stable development under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, Lin said, adding that both sides have always upheld the principles of non-alignment, non-confrontation and non-targeting of any third party.

He said the two countries, based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, have developed bilateral relations and expanded cooperation in various fields, bringing tangible benefits for the two peoples, and playing an active role in advancing global common development.

Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, Lin said the two countries will continue to enhance mutual trust, expand cooperation, jointly advocate and promote an equal and orderly multi-polar world and inclusive economic globalization that benefits all, and practice true multilateralism.

China attaches great importance to the strategic leading role of head-of-state diplomacy in bilateral relations, he said, adding that the two heads of state agreed to continue to maintain close exchanges to ensure the smooth and stable development of China-Russia relations.