Xi meets Russian prime minister

SHANGHAI - President Xi Jinping on Monday met with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, who attended the first China International Import Expo in Shanghai.

Both China and Russia are in a crucial stage in achieving national development and revitalization, Xi said.

Facing an unprecedentedly complex international environment, it is more important to keep bilateral ties at a high level and reinforce strategic coordination between the two countries, Xi said.

He said a priority for the two sides' work in the next phase is to comprehensively implement the consensus between him and Russian President Vladimir Putin on practical cooperation between the two sides.

Xi welcomed Russia to attend the expo as one of the guests of honor.

China and Russia are firm in pursuing peaceful development and are committed to upholding international fairness and justice, reflecting their resolve and responsible attitude as major countries, Xi said, noting that under new circumstances, China is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with the Russian side and continuously deepen strategic coordination.

Medvedev said Russia is willing to work together with China to implement the important consensus reached by heads of state of the two countries, expand practical cooperation in various areas, carry out closer coordination and cooperation in international affairs, safeguard international rules, and maintain world peace and stability.