Russia on Tuesday hailed the development of its relationship with China, saying it recorded consistent and steady progress, as well as remarkably enhanced legal basis.

The national years held in China and Russia in 2006 and 2007 are unprecedented events in bilateral ties and some of the most successful activities will be held in the future, Russian Foreign Ministry said in a review on the country's foreign relations posted on its website.

Political dialogue between Russia and China is active and the regular meetings between the two government heads are also efficient, it said, noting the two presidents met for five times in 2007.

The two states are continuing work to thoroughly settle border issues and the erection of border marks is expected to be completed in 2008, it noted.

Bilateral trade also soared last year, increasing by four times on the basis of 2000 and reached some 45 billion U.S. dollars, it noted.

The two countries enhanced energy cooperation, as well as coordination on the international arena, which served the two side's interests, it said.

(Xinhua News Agency March 19, 2008)