Premier Li Keqiang on Oct 31 met with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, who is in Beijing for an official visit and the 22nd China-Russia Prime Ministers’ Regular Meeting.

Premier Li and the Russian prime minister both highly commended the sound development of China-Russia relations.

This year, President Xi Jinping has held several meetings and talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which greatly pushed the bilateral ties forward, said Premier Li.

At the recent 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the new CPC central leadership with Xi at its core was selected. The Russian prime minister is the first visiting leader after this important event, demonstrating close ties between China and Russia, the Premier said.

He said China is willing to strengthen mutual trust, expand cooperation and reinforce exchanges with the Russian side. The regular meeting between the prime ministers of both sides and cooperation mechanism in various fields are expected to materialize more mutual cooperation visions, push forward the sustainable, healthy and stable development of bilateral relations, benefit people from both countries better, and commonly safeguard world peace and stability, development and prosperity.

China will continue to deepen its reform and opening-up and form a fully-opening new pattern to share development opportunities with all nations, Premier Li said.

Medvedev extended his congratulation over the successful conclusion of the 19th CPC National Congress, and spoke highly of the all-around and high-level strategic partnership between the two countries.

Russia is willing to work with China to promote bilateral cooperation to the next level, he said.

Medvedev laid a wreath to the Monument to the People’s Heroes in the afternoon.