Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a congratulatory message to his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao on the 56th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the Russian presidential press service said Saturday.

Putin said in his message that bilateral relations are developing successfully and regular meetings between high-ranking officials from the two sides are very important for the ties.

He expressed satisfaction with bilateral cooperation in various fields and active political dialogue between the two countries.

Positions on key international issues are coordinated as trade, investment and economic cooperation expand, he said.

Putin also hoped that the planed activities for the Year of Russia in China in 2006 would give a fresh impetus to further development of the bilateral ties.

Source: Xinhua