"We are engaged in very close contacts. Thus we maintain a high level of our strategic partnership and comprehensive cooperation contributing to the healthy development of regional and international politics… I highly appreciate our efforts with President Putin to strengthen bilateral relations in the new era," the Chinese leader said.
He added that the ongoing Putin's visit had a special significance since this year marks the 20th anniversary of the bilateral strategic partnership agreement between the two states.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is paying an official visit to China on June 25 at the invitations of his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. Moscow and Beijing are expected to sign over 30 cooperation agreements during Putin's visit.