Premier Li Keqiang and his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev, sent New Year messages to each other on Dec 31.

The Premier sent his good wishes to Medvedev, saying China-Russia relations showed great momentum this year and the two sides carried out strategic collaboration in varies fields in an effort to safeguard bilateral interests and promote peace and stability of the region and the world.

At this year’s regular prime minister meeting in St Petersburg, China and Russia reached consensus in broad areas and decided to expand pragmatic cooperation, with an aim to further deepen the integration of the two countries’ interests.

“I’m willing to keep in contact with you in the new year, in promoting bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, aerospace, high-speed railway and Far-East development. We will further tap the potential of medium and small enterprises, technological innovation and agriculture, to benefit the people,” according to Premier Li.

Medvedev, for his part, said in the message that this year witnessed a leap in development of the China-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and smooth cooperation in trade and investment, energy and infrastructure, as well as people to people exchanges. The integration of the Eurasian Economic Union and China’s Belt and Road Initiative provide great opportunities for pragmatic cooperation, and will generate more fruitful results.