Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday said that led by the two heads of the state, Sino-Russian ties will enter into a new era in 2019. 

Wang made the remarks at a press conference in Beijing on the sidelines of the second session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC), answering media questions regarding China's foreign policy and external questions.

China-Russia relations are mature and stable thanks to the two sides' high-level of mutual trust in politics and win-win economic cooperation, he added.

The foreign minister also stressed the two sides have always supported each other in international affairs and set an example of major-country relations, which have not only benefited the two peoples but also contributed greatly to regional and global peace.

As 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of China-Russia diplomatic relations, Wang noted the two sides' comprehensive strategic partnership will step into new phase this year.

In terms of high-level exchange, Wang confirmed Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) in Beijing in April and Chinese President Xi Jinping will also pay a state visit to Russia this year.

Wang added that bilateral trade volume between the two countries exceeded 100 billion U.S. dollars last year, a record high, and this year the two sides will witness more cooperation. For example, the China-Russia natural gas pipeline and two border bridges will be completed this year.

Read more:

President Xi: 2018, a meaningful year in China-Russia ties

Xi: Sino-Russian cooperation at highest level in the world

Exclusive interview with Putin: Russia on same page with China for people's welfare