Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 21 spoke highly of the Russian-Chinese relations, noting the ties are developing positively.

During a meeting with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing in Moscow, Putin said that leaders of the two countries are maintaining close communications and the bilateral trade turnover has being increased rapidly.

The Russia-China Good-Neighborly Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation "works and does so to the full," he emphasized.

He said that this year was a special year in Russian-Chinese relations. "It will be 55 years this year since our states established diplomatic relations."

He also said he would like to exchange views on bilateral and international issues of common interests with the Chinese leadership to deepen the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Li, on his part, congratulated Putin on the achievements made by Russia under his leadership.

He said China and Russia will have a series of important high-level visits this year that will be conducive to deepening the friendship between their peoples and promoting the positive development of bilateral strategic partnership of cooperation.

China attaches great importance to the relations with Russia and is willing to work with the Russian side in fulfilling the consensus reached by the two heads of state and the China-Russia Good-Neighborly Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, the Chinese minister said, vowing to further enhance the exchanges and cooperation with Russia in various areas for the benefit of the two nations and their peoples.

Putin reaffirmed that Russia will consistently support China's principle on the Taiwan issue. Li thanked him for his statement.

Earlier on Wednesday, Li held talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on bilateral and international issues. Arriving here on Wednesday for a three-day visit, he is to attend the foreign ministers' regular meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization on Friday.

China, Russia vow to promote strategic partnership

Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday in Moscow spoke highly of the Sino-Russian strategic partnership of cooperation, vowing to make joint efforts to push forward development of bilateral relations.

Sino-Russian friendly cooperation, built on a solid fundament, boasts "a huge potential and excellent prospects," Li said during his talks with Lavrov.

China is ready to work with Russia in fulfilling the consensus reached by the two heads of state, maintaining the high-level communications and strengthening strategic partnership in all fields, helping to enhance political mutual trust and protect the common interests of the two countries, according to the Chinese minister.

Li also stressed the importance of broadening non-governmental exchanges between the two countries in developing the bilateral relations.

He appreciated Russia's adherence to the one-China policy, and its support to China's stance in the latest session of the UN Human Rights Commission.

On his part, Lavrov said that Russia values Russian-Chinese strategic partnership of cooperation and is willing to realize the agreements reached by the two heads of state.

Russia will continue to adhere to the one-China policy and is against the "independence of Taiwan," Lavrov vowed.

He also expressed Russia's readiness to enrich the Russia-China cooperation in various areas so as to push the bilateral ties to anew level.

The two ministers exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interests. They unanimously agreed to enhance the two countries' consultations and cooperation within the framework of the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Li arrived here on Wednesday for a three-day visit. He is to attend the foreign ministers' regular meeting of the SCO on Friday.

Source: Xinhua