Moscow, Ramadan 18, 1435, Jul 15, 2014, SPA -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said he hopes strained ties with the European Union will improve under newly elected European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker, dpa reported. Relations between the EU and Russia are going through serious tests, but Putin said he hopes that they will actively develop in the spirit of a strategic partnership, the Kremlin announced in a congratulatory statement. Putin added that Juncker's international authority, his rich political experience and his commitment to European unity will help to develop Russia-EU relations. --SPA 19:15 LOCAL TIME 16:15 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/1254026