New Russian envoy to China welcomed

China on Wednesday welcomed the appointment of Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov as its new ambassador to Beijing, believing the envoy would play a vital role in promoting bilateral cooperation in various areas.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular news briefing following Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement on Tuesday.

It is believed that Morgulov would play an important role in enhancing the friendship and mutual trust between the two peoples, Mao said.

Morgulov's predecessor Andrey Denisov has been Moscow's chief envoy in Beijing since 2013.

Mao expressed appreciation to the outgoing ambassador for his positive contributions to promoting the development of bilateral relations and wished him well.

Promoting coordination

Beijing will keep working with Moscow to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of the state to promote a comprehensive strategic China-Russia partnership of coordination in the new era to scale new heights, the spokeswoman said.

Beginning his diplomatic career in 1991, Morgulov has held various posts in Russia's Foreign Ministry, as well as abroad, including in China, the United States and Japan.

According to the website of the Russian International Affairs Council, the senior diplomat speaks fluent Chinese and English.

Morgulov is described by Russian media outlets as a "China hand" as the diplomat has extensive experience in dealing with China-related issues.

Morgulov has on many occasions spoken highly of the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership, saying that it is at an unprecedented high level.

In April, Morgulov told the media that the friendship between Moscow and Beijing was based on overlapping basic interests and that it would not be affected by changes in the external environment.