Russian President Vladimir Putin met visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi here on Wednesday, with both sides pledging to further promote bilateral ties.

Yang conveyed to Putin kind greetings from Chinese President Hu Jintao and general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Xi Jinping. Putin also asked Yang to convey his best regards to Hu and Xi.

Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination maintains good developing momentum, with multilayer bilateral cooperation yielding fruits continuously, Putin said.

The two countries keep close contact and coordination within international frameworks such as the BRICS, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Group of Twenty (G20) and over major international and regional issues, Putin said.

Moscow warmly welcomes the upcoming state visit by Chinese President to Russia and expects it to gain substantial achievements, Putin said, calling the visit "a major event" in bilateral ties.

"Russia-China relations have huge impact on world peace and development. Russia is willing to make joint efforts with China in further promoting bilateral relations to a new level," Putin said.

Yang, for his part, said China-Russia relationship has entered a new stage thanks to joint efforts made by leaders of the two countries. The two strategic partners have become each other's opportunity for development.

With joint efforts, Chinese President's visit will inject new impetus into the long-term sound development of China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination, Yang added.

China is willing to work with Russia in facilitating major multilateral events within the frameworks of the BRICS, SCO and G20 summits so as to deliver a message of solidarity, cooperation and win-win ends, said the Chinese top diplomat.

According to Yang, to strengthen China-Russia cooperation will not only benefit the two peoples, but also enhance world peace and development in general.

Yang said he would exchange views with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on international and regional issues of mutual concern during the visit. They will implement consensus reached by leaders of the two countries and further enhance the strategic partnership, Yang said.

Yang visited Russia at the invitation of Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov. He paid an official visit to South Africa before arriving in Moscow. Endite