China and Russia agreed to further their strategic cooperation in international and regional affairs, after the two nations' presidents held talks in Beijing Monday.

"China and Russia will maintain international peace and stability and promote the overall recovery, health and stable development of the world economy," Chinese President Hu Jintao said at a press conference with his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev.

The two presidents held talks Monday morning, both speaking highly of the development of China-Russia relations.

"It's China's unswerving policy to constantly consolidate and enhance its strategic partnership of cooperation with Russia," Hu said.

Medvedev agreed with Hu's remarks on bilateral ties, saying Russia regards its relations with China a priority.

Hu also pledged to further cooperation with Russia in energy-saving, environmental protection, and disaster prevention and relief.

He proposed the two states make further use of the strategic security consultation mechanism.

He also proposed the two sides support each other on issues concerning their respective core national interests.

He also said the two nations should aim to preserve a global strategic balance while promoting the full recovery and sound development of the world's economy.

Hailing the smooth completion of the China-Russia oil pipeline, the two presidents called for more cooperation in trade, investment, energy and finance.

They also agreed to expand bilateral exchange in education, health, culture, sports, media and tourism.

Hu expressed thanks to Russia for its support for Shanghai's hosting of the 2010 World Expo.

Medvedev vowed to further strategic collaboration with China and strengthen coordination with China on international and regional issues, saying his talks with Hu will "inject new momentum" into the bilateral relationship.

"We are delighted to see that bilateral trade has almost recovered from the impact of the global financial crisis, with trade volumes expected to bounce back to pre-crisis levels by the end of the year," Medvedev said.

The Russian president said Russia will continue to strategically cooperate with China, to adapt to the evolving international situation.

Russia and China coordinate closely under the frameworks of the G20, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and as BRIC countries (China, India, Russia and Brazil).

After their talks in the Great Hall of the People, the two heads of state signed a joint statement to comprehensively deepen their strategic partnership of coordination.

They also issued a joint statement on the 65th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

The two sides also signed an agreement on fighting terrorism, separatism and extremism.

They also signed commercial agreements concerning coal, nuclear energy and banking.

Medvedev is paying a three-day state visit to China at the invitation of Hu. He will also meet China's top legislator, Wu Bangguo, Premier Wen Jiabao and Vice President Xi Jinping.