Sochi - Chinese President Xi Jinping says he is "very satisfied" with the fruitful development of China-Russia relations.
The bilateral relationship has entered a phase which boasts the most solid foundation, the highest level of mutual trust and the greatest regional and global influence ever, he said in an exclusive interview with Rossiya TV aired over the weekend.
Xi recalled that he paid a visit to Russia in March last year only a few days after taking over the presidency, during which time he and President Vladimir Putin reached important consensus on and charted the course for further strengthening bilateral comprehensive strategic co-operation.
China-Russia co-operation, Xi added, had so far borne rich fruit in such fields as trade and economy, energy, advanced technology, people-to-people exchanges and international affairs, not only promoting the development and prosperity of both countries, but also helping safeguard international justice, stability and peace.
"I am very satisfied with the achievements in the development of China-Russia relations," he said.
Xi travelled to this Russian resort city on Thursday to attend Friday's opening ceremony of the 22nd Winter Olympic Games at the invitation of Putin. The three-day visit was his first foreign trip this year.
Describing China and Russia as good neighbours, good partners and good friends and calling Putin his old friend, Xi said he came to Russia to offer his congratulations in person over the Sochi Olympics as is customary for the Chinese people to do upon their neighbours' joyous occasions.
Referring to his latest meeting with Putin on Thursday, Xi said the two sides agreed to unswervingly support each other on issues concerning their core interests and turn political advantages in their relations into co-operation advantages.
The Sochi trip has marked a "good start" for the advancement of bilateral ties in 2014, added the president. – SAnews.gov.za-NNN-Xinhua
