Putin congratulates new European Commission president

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday congratulated Ursula von der Leyen on her election as European Commission president.

In a message, published on the presidential website, Putin expressed confidence that von der Leyen’s extensive political experience and global stature will enable the European Commission "to work constructively and help restore equal and mutually beneficial partnership between the EU and Russia".

He also reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to engage in constructive dialogue with the European Union on political, economic and humanitarian agendas.

On Tuesday, senior German politician von der Leyen became the first female politician to lead the European Union’s executive arm.

The 61-year-old conservative politician was nominated by EU leaders earlier this month, after prolonged negotiations in Brussels.