MOSCOW, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi and her Russian counterpart Dmitri Medvedev on Monday spoke highly of the China-Russia national years, vowing to continuously enrich and deepen the bilateral strategic partnership of cooperation.

    Holding reciprocal 'national years' was a strategic decision made by Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, which are aimed at promoting the sound and steady development of the Sino-Russian strategic partnership of cooperation and friendship between the two peoples for generations, Wu told Medvedev during a meeting.

Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev (R) and Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi attend a diploma awarding ceremony at Moscow, Russia, Nov. 5, 2007. Wu Yi awarded diplomas to Russian delegates here on Monday for their outstanding contributions for the "Year of China in Russia" program.  (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    In the last two years, more than 500 activities covering a wide range of sectors such as politics, economy, science and technology have been carried out to celebrate the national years, Wu said.

    The national years have been a great success, sped up substantial cooperation in various fields, deepened political mutual trust and further vitalized the Sino-Russian strategic partnership of cooperation, she said.

    During the theme years, Chinese and Russian leaders have met frequently and laid out blueprints and action plans for the development of the strategic partnership of cooperation in the coming decade.

    With some 80 Russian regions and 22 Chinese provinces or regions taking part in the events, regional cooperation was also boosted and became a new highlight of bilateral ties between the two countries, she said.

    The reciprocal national years are pioneer projects in Russian-Chinese ties and an important measure for deepening the strategic partnership of cooperation in an all-round manner, said Medvedev.

    Such great events show the willingness of the two heads of state to push forward the sustainable, healthy and steady development of bilateral ties as well as the common aspirations of the two peoples to maintain friendship for generations, he said.

    The national years' activities covered various fields and promoted cooperation in key sectors such as economy, trade and energy, he added.

    The two senior cabinet members agreed that the national years are an innovation in bilateral relations and said they expect more of such events.