ST.PETERSBURG, June 30. /TASS/ The strengthening of ties between the armed forces of Russia and China serves the cause of peace and stability, Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu said.

"In the current international situation, the strengthening of friendly ties between the armies of Russia and China is of particular importance. This is our common contribution to securing peace and stability," Shoigu said. He was speaking in St.Petersburg on Tuesday during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Chang Wanquan.

Shoigu noted that this was the second meeting with his Chinese counterpart this year. "In addition to that, talks with Deputy Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission Colonel-General Fan Changlong took place in May. We had a frank and confidential conversation about the development of the Russian-Chinese cooperation. All this is a confirmation of enhancing cooperation between the defence ministries of our two countries," the Russian minister said.

He went on to say that such policy fully conformed with the instructions of Presidents of Russia and China Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping who maintained regular personal contacts.

"The solidarity between Russia and China is essential in countering attempts to falsify history, lionize the Nazis and their allies. We hope that our meeting will contribute to strengthening mutually beneficial partnership relations between the defence ministries of Russia and China," the Russian Defence Minister said. He suggested discussing the results of cooperation during the first half of 2015 and prospects for cooperation before the end of the year.