SHANGHAI, May 20. /ITAR-TASS/. Opening joint naval exercises with Chinese President Xi Jinping Russian President Vladimir Putin said with confidence that ties between the two countries will be built up, including in the military sphere.

“I am convinced that Russian-Chinese strategic partnership will keep growing,” Putin said, opening naval exercises codenamed Joint Sea 2014 on Tuesday.

He noted that bilateral military co-operation was developing fruitfully.

“President Xi Jinping became the first foreign leader who visited the Russian Defense Ministry’s operational control centre. Joint naval and anti-terrorist exercises are held regularly. Russian and Chinese sailors have gained an experience of co-operation in real conditions, convoying ships with chemical weapons from Syria,” the Russian president said.

He stated that Russian-Chinese combat comradeship had long-standing traditions. “We remember that in the Second World War years our countries were allies and fought with the aggressor together. The feat of our peoples will set an eternal example of valor, patriotism and strength of spirit,” Putin said.

He noted that Russia was sincerely grateful to Chinese partners as they were keeping carefully the memory about thousands of Russian compatriots who gave their lives for liberation of north-eastern China.

“Next year will see celebrations of the 70th anniversary of Victory in the Second World War. We will hold festivities on the occasion of this anniversary in bilateral format and within the Shanghai Co-operation Organization (SCO). I am confident that we will celebrate this remarkable date worthily,” the Russian president added.