Addressing the meeting, Ms Golodets, the Russian co-chair of the commission, said relations between Russia and China have experienced active and stable development in recent years. "We are maintaining regular contacts at all levels, handling practical matters in close cooperation, and expanding mutual cooperation with respect to international and regional issues," she said. "We have established a true partnership in all spheres."

The Deputy Prime Minister cited tourism as an area where cultural cooperation has expanded. The number of Chinese tourists who visited Russia in 2012 grew by about 40%, Ms Golodets said, adding that a joint mechanism for tourist insurance has been created, which avoids double insurance and ensures the provision of prompt medical and other services.

Ms Golodets thanked the Chinese side for accepting 300 students of Lomonosov Moscow State University as part of the student exchange programme. "Today, 126 universities of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science have direct contacts with 593 universities and partner organisations in China, with a total of 900 agreements signed," she noted.

Regarding Russian-Chinese information exchange, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that China will consider the possibility of launching a third Russian television channel online. Thanks to joint efforts under the sub-commission on media cooperation, steps have been taken to address the issue of equal representation of Russian and Chinese television channels in the two countries. Currently, two Russian television channels are broadcast in China, while three Chinese channels are broadcast in Russia.

Ms Golodets expressed confidence that there are no political problems that could hinder the development of the friendly dialogue between Russia and China. "Our enduring policy is to further deepen our comprehensive relations with China and mutual cooperation in all areas," she stressed.