Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov agreed Tuesday to make joint efforts to further develop the strategic and cooperative partnership between the two countries.

During a telephone conversation, the two ministers agreed to ensure the success of a series of meetings between the leaders of the two countries within the year.

They also vowed to continue their communication and coordination on major international issues.

(Xinhua News Agency August 19, 2009)