Sincere friendship with Russia hailed

President Xi Jinping has underlined the need to carry on the core spirit governing China-Russia relations in the new era featuring lasting good-neighborliness, comprehensive strategic coordination, and mutually beneficial cooperation for win-win results.

Xi made the remarks on Friday during his meeting with Sergei Shoigu, secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

The meeting took place four days after Xi's telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which both leaders reiterated the long-term and strategic nature of bilateral ties and pledged that China-Russia relations will not be disrupted by external factors or any third party.

Xi emphasized that China and Russia are friendly neighbors connected by mountains and rivers, and more importantly, they have remained sincere friends throughout thick and thin.

He called on both countries to fully implement the consensus reached between Putin and himself, and continuously deepen strategic coordination and pragmatic cooperation to contribute to their development and revitalization.

Both sides should continue to strengthen coordination in international and regional affairs, and fully leverage the roles of BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to consolidate solidarity and cooperation among countries of the Global South, Xi said.

Shoigu, who visited China for the second time within three months, extended Putin's warm greetings to Xi, saying that the Russian president highly values his sincere friendship and close connection with the Chinese president.

He said that the Russia-China relationship is at an unprecedented high level, and is not directed against any third party.

The partnership between Russia and China plays a crucial role in world affairs and sets an example of relations between major powers, he added.

Shoigu emphasized that Russia and China have always trusted each other, engaged in dialogue on an equal footing, and their strategic cooperation serves the common interests of both countries.

Russia will effectively implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and firmly strengthen cooperation with China, he said.

Shoigu expressed Russia's appreciation for China's efforts in actively promoting a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine crisis.

Earlier on Friday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Shoigu in Beijing to engage in strategic communication. Both sides also had in-depth discussions on the Ukraine crisis.

Shoigu briefed Wang on the latest developments in contacts between Russia and the United States and Russia's considerations, saying that Russia is committed to addressing the root causes of the Ukraine crisis and seeking a lasting, fair and sustainable peace solution.

Wang reiterated that China will continue to play a constructive role in facilitating peace talks and promote a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

Both sides agreed to hold a new round of bilateral strategic security consultations at an appropriate time.

They also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern in the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Afghanistan, and other regions.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War, and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.

China and Russia have agreed to jointly hold a series of activities to promote the correct perspective regarding World War II, uphold multilateralism and contribute to world peace and development.