"China highly appreciates President Putin’s positive remarks on China-Russia relations and good wishes for the Beijing Winter Olympic Games," Zhao said at a press conference.
China-Russia bilateral relations were brought to a higher level with higher "quality and standards" contributing to upholding peace and stability in the world, the spokesman noted.
"The China-Russia friendship is unbreakable and our cooperation holds great promise. We have high expectations for and confidence in China-Russia relations in the year to come," he added.
FILE PHOTO: Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their meeting on the sidelines of a BRICS summit, in Brasilia, Brazil, November 13, 2019
© REUTERS / Sputnik Photo Agency
China believes in the continued development of bilateral relations with Russia and in the joint development of a global agenda leading to the establishment of "a new type of international relations and a community with a shared future for mankind," Zhao concluded.
On Thursday, in a congratulatory message to Chinese Leader Xi Jinping, Putin stressed that Russia and China maintained a productive dialogue in 2021 and achieved a high level of cooperation in trade and science leading to practical results despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. He also said he is looking forward to meeting with Xi at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics.