Li Changchun (R), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), shakes hands with Gennady Zyuganov, president of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, in Beijing, Dec. 14, 2006. (Xinhua Photo/Li Xueren) Photo Gallery >>>

    BEIJING, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- A top Chinese official on Thursday called for more cooperation between China and Russia, including the exchanges between parties.

    Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), met with Gennady Zyuganov, president of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation.

    The two officials agreed on further deepening the exchanges and cooperation between the two parties.

    China-Russia strategic partnership of cooperation has developed "fast and well", withstanding the test of complicated international situation since its establishment ten years ago, said Li.

    The two sides have strengthened political mutual trust, increased economic and trade cooperation, and shared broad consensus on various key international and regional issues, Li said. "China and Russia have become important forces in safeguarding world and regional peace and stability."

    Li also expressed his best wishes for the success of the China Year in Russia in 2007, expecting it will carry on bilateral friendship.

    Zyuganov congratulated on the success of Russia Year in China this year.

    The year of 2007 marks the 10th anniversary of the signing of the cooperative agreement between the two communist parties. Zyuganov said he and his party will go on intensifying cooperation with the CPC and make concerted efforts for a successful China Year in Russia, lifting the strategic partnership of cooperation to a new height.