BEIJING - Newly elected Chinese President Xi Jinping talked with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin by phone Thursday, with both sides pledging to strengthen ties.

Putin congratulated Xi on his election as Chinese president, saying the Russia-China relationship was of great significance as it was a major contributor to world peace and stability.

Putin said Russia was making active efforts to prepare for Xi's upcoming visit to Russia, and he believed the visit would further promote bilateral cooperation and humanistic exchanges as well as strengthen bilateral ties.

Xi said Putin called him by phone upon his election, which showed the Russian president highly valued China-Russia relations, adding he also attached great importance to the development of the China-Russia comprehensive relations of strategic cooperation and partnership, which would always be a priority of China's foreign relations.

Xi said China was willing to work with Russia to push their cooperation in various fields to a higher level.

The Chinese president added he was looking forward to meeting with Putin during his visit to Russia and exchanging views with him on ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation as well as on major international and regional affairs.

Xi also said he believed his visit to Russia would inject new vigor into the development of Russia-China relations.