ST. PETERSBURG, Russia - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin held talks here Monday evening during which they vowed to strengthen bilateral ties.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (2nd R, front) attends a banquet at the invitation of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, Russia, Nov 22, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]

They made the commitment in small-scale talks after Wen arrived in the evening for an official visit to Russia.

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Wen said that with the organization of a series of cultural activities including the language year programs, China-Russia ties have developed to an unprecedentedly high level.

This is in line with the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples, contributes vigorously to world peace and promotes development of both countries, Wen said.

"I hope to inject new vigor into the comprehensive deepening of Sino-Russian strategic partnership of coordination through my visit," said the Chinese premier.

Putin said that Russia attaches great importance to bilateral ties with China and expressed his satisfaction with the development of these ties.

At present, both economies are facing with precious opportunities of development and therefore cooperation between Russia and China is conducive to rapid development of their economies, said Putin.

He expressed the hope that both countries would make concerted efforts to ensure that bilateral cooperation can bear more fruit.

The two leaders also exchanged views on promoting cooperation in key sectors.