Putin regards importance of Sino-Russian ties

BEIJING - A Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin's latest remarks regarding China have demonstrated Russian leaders' recognizance of the importance of developing ties with the country.

"President Putin's remarks fully reflect the Russian people's friendship towards Chinese, as well as Russian leaders' desire to develop bilateral relations," spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a daily press briefing.

Russian President Putin said at an annual press conference held Thursday that Russia's relations with China are at their highest level in history.

Hua said the Russians have achieved remarkable results in national development in recent years, citing their stable society and politics, steadily growing economy and improving living standard.

"We are optimistic about Russia's development prospects and are convinced that the Russian people, with the leadership of President Putin, will achieve the goal of national revitalization, " Hua said.

Hua said bilateral relations stand at an unprecedented level and have entered a new stage in which both countries are high-priority partners.

Hua said China will enhance practical cooperation with Russia, especially in the fields of energy, investment, aerospace, advanced technology, culture and localized cooperation.

China will also strengthen mutual political support and coordination with Russia on regional and global issues, she said.