BEIJING, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Close contacts between Chinese and Russian leaders have led to "evergreen" friendship and cooperation between the two countries, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Sunday.
Speaking in a meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, Xi said Sino-Russian relations should be a diplomatic priority for both countries despite the changing international situation.
"No matter how the international landscape shifts, we must insist on giving priority to the development of Sino-Russian ties in our diplomatic endeavors, constantly boost political and strategic mutual trust, and keep expanding and deepening comprehensive cooperation," he said.
The meeting is the tenth between Xi and Putin since Xi took office in March 2013.
Xi said the duo had maintained close communication this year, and have achieved fruitful results in their top-level design and strategic guidance for Sino-Russian bilateral ties as well as in the cultivation of a lasting friendly and cooperative relationship between the two sides.
He noted that bilateral trade and investment has been on the rise, and major projects such as the east route of Sino-Russia natural gas pipeline have also registered progress.
Meanwhile, pragmatic cooperation between China and Russia is switching toward a new model, in which both countries could jointly carry out research, development, promotion, application and production.
The Chinese president continued to commend booming people-to-people exchanges between the two sides, as well as their closer, more effective coordination and cooperation on international affairs.
"All these demonstrate that our policies on the development of bilateral relations are in line with the will of the people and our times, and represent an irreversible trend," Xi said.