The joint declaration on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership signed here today by Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin opens a new era, 75 years after the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia.

The document was signed on the opening day of the Russian president’s visit to the Asian giant, his second in less than six months.

The two presidents also attended the signing ceremony of cooperation documents, held a joint press conference and held high-level talks.

On his first trip abroad after being re-elected for a fifth presidential term, Putin will also attend an informal dinner in a small format today and attend a solemn concert on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties and the beginning of the Year of Culture of one country in the other.

According to the official program released prior to the start of the visit, the Russian head of state will visit tomorrow, Friday, the city of Harbin, the administrative center of Heilongjiang province, the northernmost province of the country, bordering Russia.

Putin is also scheduled to meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, although no official source has so far confirmed this.

In his meeting today with the Russian president, his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, said that the steady development of Russia-China relations benefits not only both countries, but also the peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the world.

China is ready to work with Russia to remain a good neighbor, good friend and good partner, to further consolidate the lasting friendship between the two peoples, jointly promote national development and uphold equity and justice in the world, he said.

The Chinese head of state congratulated Putin on his re-election for a fifth term and expressed his conviction that under his leadership Russia will surely achieve new and greater progress in national development.

After three-quarters of a century, China-Russia ties have grown ever stronger, despite ups and downs, and have withstood the test of a changing international landscape, Xi was quoted as saying by China Daily.

In his view, he added, this relationship has become a good example for major powers and neighboring nations to treat each other with respect and openness and pursue friendship and mutual benefit.

The Chinese president recalled that over the years he met Putin more than 40 times, maintaining close communication, which has ensured the sound, stable and smooth development of their bilateral ties.

The current China-Russia relationship has been hard-won and the two sides should cherish and promote it, he stressed.