By Zhang Maorong, Researcher with the International Economics Department, China Institute of Contemporary International Relation; cartoon drawing by Liao Tingting

At the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping made a state visit to Russia on July 3-4. They held an in-depth exchange of views on major issues of common concern and agreed to work hand-in-hand to deepen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

This is Xi's 6th visit to Russia as the Chinese leader, which was rich in content and fruitful to write a new chapter of China-Russia diplomacy. The two nations are good neighbors, friends and partners. We are experiencing the best historical period of bilateral relations.

In recent years, Xi and Putin have established close working relations and a good personal friendship as they would meet each other 5 times annually to boost bilateral ties.

This visit has injected new energy to China-Russia ties from an understanding on the interactions of the two Heads of States that include the "Santo Andre" Medal Award, the three joint statements concerning the Korean peninsula issues, bilateral ties, the world situation, and the signing of a series of collaboration projects.

"Ride through the strong wind and waves, raising high the sails and navigating forward courageously at sea." We believe Xi's visit will continue to lead bilateral ties to overcome difficulties and march forward, making high levels of China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership for support of each other, mutual development and revitalization of the two nations and becoming the ballast stone of world peace and stability.

(Source: CCTV.com)