Science and technology will be the next focus of the Sino-Russian cooperation, according to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

Speaking at a regular press conference on Wednesday, MOFA spokesperson Geng Shuang said the two countries have marked 2020 and 2021 as the "years for scientific and technological innovation" and are drafting details of what to do in the coming two years.

"China and Russia can help each other a lot in the sci-tech field. China is a world leader in IT, satellite navigation, drone and supercomputer, while Russia has unique advantage in basic research and original innovation," Geng said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also confirmed the plan by signing an order on Monday.

China and Russia have been giving themes to years since 2006 and here are all the themes they have marked:

2006-2007: National cooperation

2009-2010: Language

2012-2013: Tourism

2014-2015: Youth

2016-2017: Media

2018-2019: Local cooperation

"The new theme has made it very clear that sci-tech will be the next focus of Sino-Russian cooperation. It also shows how determined the two countries are on strengthening their ties," Geng said.