Russia seeks broad cooperation in world affairs and is against ideological confrontation, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with leading Chinese media outlets on the eve of his visit to China.
"Today, Russia and China are interested in enhancing global stability and developing broad cooperation on the basis of the international law and the key role of the UN," Putin said.
"During the war the Soviet Union and China were allies who struggled against common enemy, shoulder to shoulder. Our countries have withstood the severe test with honour and borne the brunt of resistance against the aggressors," Putin stressed.
"At the concluding stage of the war, tens of thousands of our compatriots sacrificed their lives for the liberation of the Northeast China. I would like to thank our Chinese friends for their careful attitude towards the memory of heroes, the bed-of-honours, the war memorials," Putin said.
"Our brotherhood in arms and mutual aid of the peoples of our countries have provided a solid foundation for the present-day Russian-Chinese relations," the Russian head of state added.