China, Russia commemorate 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties

The two countries should deepen the convergence of their interests, continue synergizing the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union, and create a new pattern of mutually beneficial cooperation, Xi said.

People-to-people exchanges should be enhanced so that the traditional friendship between the two peoples can be carried on, he said.

Xi also called for joint efforts to safeguard world peace, promote multi-polarization of the world and democratization of international relations, and build a more prosperous, stable and fair world.

At the gathering, the two heads of state watched a short video on people-to-people exchanges as well as a show presented by Chinese and Russian artists.

About 1,600 people from all walks of life from China and Russia attended the gathering.

Before the event, the two heads of state toured a photo exhibition marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of their countries' diplomatic relations.