Russian President Putin(R) shakes hands with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi during their meeting in Russia, July 13, 2007.(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    MOSCOW, July 13 (Xinhua) -- The relations between Russia and China are growing steadily in recent years, Russian President Vladimir Putin said here Friday.

    A "very high degree of trust" has been built between the two countries, he said when meeting with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.

    The successful theme years of Russia and China have brought along exchanges in all areas and at all levels, he said.

    The economic and trade cooperation is moving faster, Putin said, adding that bilateral border trade has become more active with the trade structure improving.

    The Russian president said he is looking forward to a meeting with the Chinese president at the next summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) due in August.

    Yang echoed Putin's views, saying the Sino-Russian strategic partnership of cooperation has improved greatly in recent years.

    The strategic initiative of the heads of state of Russia and China to hold the theme years has helped promote bilateral relations, he said.

    The two countries are exchanging frequently with each other on major international and regional issues and have become significant factors for sustaining international strategic balance and stability, he added.