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Download President Hu Jintao on Monday congratulated Vladimir Putin on his taking office as Russian president, wishing the people of Russia greater success in developing their nation under his leadership. China and Russia are each other's largest neighbor and most important strategic partner, and the relationship between the two countries has maintained good momentum, Hu said. Developing a comprehensive strategic partnership is in line with the fundamental interests and common aspirations of the people from the two countries, and is conducive to regional and world peace, stability, development and prosperity, Hu said. Putin was sworn in on Monday as Russian president and began his third term in the Kremlin following two consecutive terms from 2000 to 2008, saying he considered service to his country to be the meaning of his life. Putin was prime minister from 2008 to 2017. The Kremlin bells echoed across Moscow and the presidential guard donned Tsarist-era uniforms for the brief but spectacular inauguration. Placing his right hand on a copy of the constitution, Putin swore to "respect and protect the rights and freedoms of the people" and defend Russia's security as he officially took over from Medvedev for a six-year term. After taking office, Putin submitted to the State Duma a bill, nominating Medvedev as prime minister in the new government. China attaches great importance to its relations with Russia, and is willing to work with Russia to deepen pragmatic cooperation in various fields and at various levels, and strengthen strategic coordination in international and regional affairs to push China-Russia relations to new levels and benefit the two peoples, he added. | 
