国内英语新闻:Chinese VP, Russian PM discuss bilateral ties during meeting

MOSCOW, March 23 (Xinhua) -- The Sino-Russian relations of strategic cooperation and partnership have become the most important, most vigorous and richest ties between the two major powers, Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping said here on Tuesday.

At a meeting with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, Xi conveyed sincere greetings from Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao to the Russian leader.

The Sino-Russian relations have always been a priority of China's foreign policy. To boost a sound and stable development of the Sino-Russian relations of strategic cooperation and partnership have been an established guideline of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese government, Xi said.

China stands ready to step up mutual support on issues concerning both sides' core and strategic interests, exploit complementary advantages, jointly promote a multi-polar world and the democratization of international relations and elevate bilateral ties to a new stage, the Chinese vice-president said.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in Moscow, capital of Russia, March 23, 2010.

Xi hoped the two countries will further their coordination on economic development strategies, deepen energy cooperation and improve the quality and level of economic and trade cooperation.

He called for further implementation of major consensus on interregional cooperation reached by the two countries' leaders and increased people-to-people exchanges against the backdrop of the "Year of Chinese Language" in Russia this year.