China is ready to further boost bilateral relations with Russia as the two countries face important development opportunities, Vice-Premier Li Keqiang said on Thursday.

In a meeting with visiting director of the Russian Presidential Administration Bureau Vladimir Kozhin, Li hailed the sound development of China-Russia ties in recent years, citing fruitful cooperation in multiple areas.

Developing long-lasting bilateral relations meets the fundamental interests of both countries and facilitates world peace, stability and prosperity, he said.

China has always conducted relations with Russia from a strategic and long-term perspective and regards developing ties with the country as one of its top diplomatic priorities, Li said.

"Both China and Russia are in an important period of strategic opportunity and face similar global challenges," Li said.

Vice-Premier Li Keqiang meets with Vladimir Kozhin, director of the Russian Presidential Administration Bureau, on Thursday, at the Zhongnanhai compound in Beijing. Xu Jingxing / China Daily