Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated President Xi Jinping on his re-election as the general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the success of the just-concluded 19th Party National Congress during a phone call on Thursday. He also hoped that Xi will lead the world's largest political party to achieve new goals.

Putin's congratulatory call came just five days before Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev pays a three-day visit to Beijing, during which he is expected to meet with President Xi Jinping. Medvedev will also hold a meeting with Premier Li Keqiang - the 22nd regular meeting between the Russian prime minister and Chinese premier.

Medvedev is among the first foreign leaders to visit China after the 19th Party Congress, which concluded on Oct 24. And his visit to China is evidence that Moscow holds its partnership with Beijing in high esteem.