China and Russia have continued to grow closer over the years. Shen Haixiong, the President of China Media Group, sat down with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss his vision of future ties.

SHEN HAIXIONG, PRESIDENT CHINA MEDIA GROUP "I've noticed that since the State of the Nation address this year, you have talked about your "Dream of Russia" on several occasions. Right now the Chinese people are working hard to realize the Chinese Dream envisioned by President Xi Jinping. What does your "Dream of Russia" share with the "Chinese Dream"?

VLADIMIR PUTIN RUSSIAN PRESIDENT "Russia and China are neighbors. Through centuries of mutual dialogues and interactions, we've formed a profound historical bond and strong foundation. Indeed the relationship is based on our mutual interests.

As you know, in 2001 we've signed the treaty of friendship, which has supplied the essential foundation for the towering edifice of our current bilateral ties. Each year this great building has been renewing itself and has seen new floors added and has its structure continuously strengthened. This has not been a matter of luck.

Now, let me quote President Xi Jinping's speech at the 19th CPC National Congress. What's the most important part? How did the Chinese president put it? It is to improve our people's lives. There are many ways and manners to achieve this, but the goal is the same. In Russia, except to improve the living standards of our citizens, there's no other goal. For this purpose, we've been studying how to build Russia's relations with China, how to accomplish our objectives and guarantee external security, how to encourage innovation, the digital economy and genetic technologies, how to build a modern harmonious society and nation, and how to improve our economic governance and foster the new economy.

Therefore we have a great deal in common. I'm confident that our efforts will bring fresh achievements."