On March 26, Russia held its presidential election, and Putin was elected President of the Russian Federation. The election result reflects the will and expectation of a vast majority of the Russian people. President Jiang Zemin has sent a message to President Putin, extending his sincere congratulations on his being elected on behalf of the Chinese Government and the Chinese people. We sincerely wish that under the leadership of President Putin, Russia will maintain social stability, economic growth and its people enjoy a good life. We believe that with the direct push from the heads of states of Russia and China and through concerted efforts of the two sides, the Sino-Russian relations would surely develop continuously in the new century.