Russian ambassador to China Sergei Razov held a reception in Beijng on Friday marking Russia's Nation Day, which falls on June 12.

Li Tieying, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of National People's Congress (NPC), attended and addressed the reception. He said China-Russia relations have kept stable and sound development amid profound changes in the international and regional situation in recent years.

Li noted that this year marks the beginning of second decade of the China-Russia Strategic Partnership and China will take the opportunity of "Year of China" in Russia to push forward bilateral cooperation in various fields.

Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin agreed to host national theme years in each country to enhance bilateral relations. The "Year of Russia" in China was held in 2006.

Razov spoke highly of the fruitful results in the past decade. He said to hold national theme years has boosted cooperation, mutual understanding and friendship.

Both sides are willing to to escalate the strategic partnership, Razov said, adding the two countries will always be good neighbors, partners and friends.

Source: Xinhua