The past 60 years have been momentous for China-Russia relations. Our political relations have become increasingly mature in these 60 years. In April 1996, leaders of our two countries, learning from history and acting in the fundamental interests of our two peoples, decided to establish between us a strategic partnership of coordination. That move was in keeping with the times and the need for future growth of China-Russia relations. Today, after over ten years, this relationship has grown into a mature, stable and sound state-to-state relationship, as evidenced by our political mutual trust, which has never been so close.
Our practical cooperation has become increasingly fruitful in these 60 years. Our two countries made earnest efforts to explore new ways of mutually-beneficial cooperation. We scaled up bilateral cooperation in economy and trade, and raised the quality and level of such cooperation. Our two-way trade grew at high speed in the past ten years and hit a record high of US$56.8 billion last year. Our cooperation in mutual investment, joint manufacturing and processing and other areas showed sound momentum of growth, and cooperation at local levels was vigorous.
China-Russia cooperation in international affairs has further enhanced in these 60 years. China and Russia are both committed to maintaining world peace and stability. In recent years, our two countries have carried out close coordination and collaboration in international and regional affairs, and made unremitting efforts to promote multiplicity in the world and democracy in international relations. China-Russia relations have become an important factor promoting benign interactions among major countries and peace and stability in the region and beyond.