Xi says Russian visit shows high level of partnership

BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday his forthcoming visit to Russia shows the high level and special nature of the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination between the two countries.

"The fact that I will visit Russia, our friendly neighbor, shortly after I become China's president, is a testimony to the great importance China places on its relations with Russia," Xi said in a joint interview with Xinhua and media outlets from the other four BRICS countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa.

"China and Russia are each other's major and most important strategic partners of coordination and both countries accord priority to their bilateral relationship in their overall diplomatic agenda and foreign policy," Xi said.

Xi said the two countries should consolidate strategic and political mutual trust, enhance mutual support in issues concerning each other's core interests, expand pragmatic cooperation and deepen people-to-people communication.

China and Russia should strengthen coordination in international and regional affairs to safeguard world peace, safety and stability, Xi said.

Xi said he is looking forward to exchanging views with Russian President Vladimir Putin on bilateral ties during his visit to Russia.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced Monday that Xi will visit Russia, Tanzania, South Africa and the Republic of Congo on March 22-30 and attend the fifth BRICS summit on March 26-27 in Durban, South Africa.