BEIJING, October 12. /TASS/. China and Russia share similar views on the development of the Northern Sea Route, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said.

"China’s efforts to build the Ice Silk Road and Russia’s efforts to develop the Northern Sea Route are fully aligned. The importance of cooperation on maritime issues within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation continues to grow," the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry quotes Wang Yi as saying.

He met in Beijing with Nikolay Patrushev, an aide to the Russian president and chairman of the Maritime Collegium.

According to the top Chinese diplomat, profound changes are unfolding in the modern world. He described the ocean as the "blue connecting thread," upon which the security and long-term development of all countries depend.

"China and Russia, as permanent members of the UN Security Council and maritime powers, bear significant responsibility for international maritime affairs and have extensive opportunities for cooperation," Wang Yi added.