Li meets Russian official on ties

MOSCOW - Visiting Chinese Vice-Premier Li Keqiang met with the chairperson of Russia's Federation Council, Valentina Matviyenko, here Friday to discuss further development of bilateral relations.

Li said he held in-depth and friendly talks with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and exchanged views with them on bilateral ties, major international and regional issues of common concern, and pragmatic cooperation between the two sides.

China-Russia relations have hit an all-time high, Li said, expressing his confidence that the two countries will enjoy broader prospects in the development of the comprehensive strategic cooperation and partnership.

"I can deeply feel that the long-lasting and future-oriented friendship between the two peoples was built on a firm foundation, " the vice premier said.

Li said the Chinese National People's Congress (NPC) and the Russian Federation Council have maintained regular exchanges and expressed his belief that the friendship between the two peoples and the two countries' legislative bodies would become closer with concerted efforts by both sides.

Matviyenko said Russian people hold warm feelings towards Chinese people, and that the China-Russia comprehensive strategic cooperation and partnership has achieved fruitful results, which not only benefit the two peoples, but also serve a positive role in international relations.

She said the exchanges between the two countries' legislative bodies are indispensable for bilateral relations.

The Federation Council, or upper house of parliament, will join hands with the NPC to create a favorable legal environment for the development of bilateral ties, she said.

Li arrived here Thursday for an official visit at the invitation of the Russian government. He will leave Russia Monday for visits to Hungary and Belgium.