Former Russian President Boris Yeltsin called Chinese President Jiang Zemin on the phone on January 13 and the two men had a friendly talk, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry sources.

Yeltsin thanked Jiang for expressing friendship in a telegraph sent by the Chinese president when Yeltsin resigned the Russian presidency on New Year's Eve.

Yeltsin told Jiang that through their active cooperation in thepast few years Russia-China relations have embarked on a track of steady development.

The two sides have established a strategic and cooperative partnership characterized by mutual trust, equal treatment and mutual support, Yeltsin said.

Yeltsin noted that the friendship between Russia and China will be helpful to the well-being of the two peoples, and that acting Russian President Vladimir Putin will join hands with Jiang to bring the Russia-China friendship into the 21st century.

Jiang noted that the substantial development of China-Russia relations in recent years owes much to Yeltsin's concern and efforts.

Jiang said that further expanding and deepening the strategic and cooperative China-Russia partnership conforms to the fundamental interests of both sides, and is helpful for promoting multipolarization.

"We will work with acting President Vladimir Putin to continue the cause we have initiated, and make efforts with him to promote a healthy development of bilateral relations," said Jiang.

Jiang invited Yeltsin to visit China as an old friend at an appropriate time. Yeltsin thanked Jiang for the invitation.

The two men also exchanged good wishes for the New Year.