MOSCOW, Jan. 10 (Xinhuanet) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a message to newly-elected Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas Monday congratulating him on his overwhelming victory in Sunday's presidential election, the Kremlin press service was quoted by Interfax as saying.

    The Palestinian Central Election Committee announced Monday that Abbas -- head of the Palestinian Liberation Organization -- had won the election with 62.32 percent of the vote.

    Putin said in his message: "I am sure that your example of political experience will permit you to effectively perform the mission entrusted to you by the Palestinian people in the interests of the speedy implementation of its cherished dream of forming an independent state co-existing in peace and security with Israel."

    Russia is ready for continued close cooperation with Palestine, looks forward to an end to Palestinian-Israeli conflicts and hopes for transformation of the Middle East into a region of mutually beneficial cooperation and economic success, the message said.

    Putin also invited Abbas to pay an official visit to Moscow. Enditem