BEIJING, Dec. 18 -- At the invitation of Premier of the State Council Li Qiang, Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin will be in China from Dec. 19 to 20 for the 28th regular meeting between Chinese and Russian heads of government, foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin announced here on Monday.

In response to a related query, Wang told a daily news briefing that the regular meeting between Chinese and Russian heads of government is a vital mechanism for implementing the consensus reached by the two heads of state and coordinating bilateral practical cooperation in various fields. It has been held every year since its inception in 1996.

During the meeting, the two sides will have an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations, practical cooperation, and issues of common interest, Wang said.

Wang noted that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Russia relations have maintained sound and steady development. Next year, the two countries will celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the Year of Culture.

"We look forward to deepening bilateral cooperation, enhancing people-to-people and local exchanges, and deepening China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era through this regular meeting between Chinese and Russian heads of government," Wang said.