BEIJING, June 6 (Xinhua) -- The China-Russia relationship, at its best in history, has taken a stride into a new era of greater development at a higher level.

On his state visit to Russia, Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and they jointly signed a key statement to upgrade bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era.

The two leaders also signed a statement on strengthening contemporary global strategic stability.

Against the backdrop of the complicated and volatile international situation, Xi's visit has great significance.

The year 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Russia. With the world undergoing profound changes, the two countries shoulder even greater expectations from their peoples and the international community.

Enhancing China-Russia relations is the call of history and a firm strategic choice by both sides.

In the new era, China and Russia are expected to strengthen strategic communication and coordination, enhance their mutual support on issues regarding their respective core interests, and promote a comprehensive upgrading of their economic and trade cooperation.

Greater synergy and cooperation between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union will be actively pursued.

People-to-people exchanges are also expected to be stepped up. A well-designed plan will be made to develop the China-Russia year of scientific and technological innovation from 2020 to 2021.

China and Russia will also enhance communication and coordination in the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, APEC, and the G20 to jointly safeguard multilateralism and the norms of international relations.

One can very well expect China and Russia to continue to strengthen coordination on major international and regional issues, jointly deal with the challenges of unilateralism and protectionism, and maintain global peace and stability.