Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev addressed the opening ceremony of the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai on Monday.

Medvedev said that China is one of Russia's most important partners and his country appreciates Chinese colleagues seeking to build long-term partnership and long-term trade relations which will benefit all the stakeholders.

In recent years, China has become not only a global producer of industrial goods but also a giant market for products, he said, adding that China-Russia ties do not depend on economic and political cooperation but based on mutual respect and interests.