Zhao Lijian Photo: VCG

Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday expressed appreciation for the positive remarks made by Russian President Vladimir Putin on China-Russia relations, saying long-term stability in China-Russia relations will be sustained by practical cooperation under the leadership of the two heads of state.

Putin spoke highly of his friendship with Chinese President Xi Jinping and the outcomes of China-Russia practical cooperation on Wednesday in the Q&A session of the plenary session of Russian Energy Week international forum. 

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said the guidance of the heads of state provides the fundamental guarantee for the development and vigor of China-Russia relations. 

The deep friendship between President Xi and President Putin is built on a high degree of mutual trust. China believes that no matter how the international situations evolve, China-Russia relations will stay on the right course and achieve steady and sustained development under the leadership of the two heads of state, Zhao added

Zhao also stressed that practical cooperation is an integral part of China-Russia relations, and an important guarantee for development and revitalization of the two countries. 

People from both countries extensively benefited from not only the smooth implementation of strategic projects in traditional sectors such as energy, but also the robust momentum of cooperation in emerging sectors including scientific innovation and e-commerce, Zhao said.

China is the most reliable partner for Russia, Putin said on Wednesday, when answering questions at the 2021 Russian Energy Week. 

Bilateral trade of Russia and China keeps increasing despite the global economic downturn, surpassing $100 billion in the first nine months of this year, the Xinhua News Agency reported, citing data from Russia.