Russia and China are priority diplomatic partners, and their relationship is a factor of international stability and peace, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said.

"Russia and China are priority diplomatic partners for each other within the framework of their strategic coordination. Our countries implement close interaction in the international arena. Russian-Chinese relations are an important factor in the world peace and stability. During (Russian President) Vladimir Putin's visit to China, the two leaders will exchange views on the development of bilateral relations and on international issues," said the diplomat, adding that "both sides will continue their efforts to realize the earlier reached consensus."

On Tuesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at the Russia and China: Taking on New Quality of Bilateral Relations international conference, "We are convinced that the upcoming visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to China will give a powerful impetus to the Russian-Chinese multifaceted strategic partnership and will contribute to its further implementation."

"We will continue to jointly with the Chinese friends advance the necessary steps in order to ensure that our cooperation reaches new levels," Lavrov said.

Russia’s top diplomat paid a visit to Beijing on April 28-29, also to arrange the visit of the Russian leader. The Russian foreign minister met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Lavrov said proposals for all directions of cooperation were being drawn up "with the goal to further deepen cooperation in politics, economy and humanitarian area."

"We have very large-scale agreements in the economic area and we want to make every effort to advance them in practical terms for the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin," he said.

Source: TASS