Trade between Russia and China continues to grow, having long surpassed the 200 billion U.S. dollars mark, with mutual settlements now conducted almost entirely in rubles and yuan, Putin said.

　　Major initiatives are underway in key areas of bilateral cooperation, Putin noted. Following the successful Russia-China Years of Culture, the Russia-China Years of Education were launched in January, marking the 10th edition of such bilateral projects in the humanitarian area.

　　Putin said that Russia holds China"s centuries-old history and its achievements in culture, art and science in high esteem. "We are interested in bringing our peoples closer together, further promoting mutual understanding, and embracing all the positive things offered by the two countries" rich traditions and heritage."

　　He also welcomed the introduction of a mutual visa-free regime between the two countries, saying the arrangement facilitates greater business and tourism exchanges while harnessing new opportunities for communication and personal contacts between Russian and Chinese nationals.

　　Putin stressed that the close strategic relationship between Russia and China plays a major, stabilizing role globally. "Without allying against anyone, we seek peace and universal prosperity."

　　"It is in this spirit that Moscow and Beijing act in a coordinated manner to defend international law and the provisions of the UN Charter in their entirety, completeness and interconnectedness," Putin said.

　　"We support active cooperation through the UN, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, and other multilateral entities, making a substantial contribution to resolving pressing global and regional challenges," he added.