"Our trade relations are developing successfully, thanks in part to the efforts of our Chinese friends. The attention that the governments of our two countries pay to developing trade and economic relations is bearing fruit," President Putin told Premier Li Qiang.

The Russian president also sent greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying he looked forward to his participation at the BRICS summit in Russia in October.

Russia is the first stop on Mr. Li's four-day trip, which also includes a visit to Belarus.

Before meeting Mr. Putin, Mr. Li Qiang held talks with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and the two witnessed the signing of more than a dozen agreements ranging from investment to transport cooperation, according to the Russian government.

During his meeting with Mr. Mishuskin, Mr. Li Qiang said that the China-Russia friendship is "firm, strong and unshakable" and has "withstood international fluctuations."

"At present, in the face of the complex and changing international situation, the Chinese side is ready to move forward more firmly together with our Russian partners, under the strategic guidance of our leaders... It is important to focus efforts on safeguarding common interests, building a multipolar world order and strengthening coordination on international platforms," ​​he said.

Li added that Russia-China relations serve as a “strong stabilizing factor” and contribute to the growth of both economies. More than 95% of bilateral trade is now settled in rubles or yuan, with two-way volume hitting a record high of 20 trillion rubles (1.6 trillion yuan) last year.

China is ready to work with Russia to strengthen "all-round" cooperation and bring bilateral relations to "new heights", Xinhua news agency quoted Li Qiang as saying.

Ngoc Anh (according to SCMP, Xinhua News Agency)