The strategic cooperation between China and Russia is a "key factor" in maintaining global and regional peace and stability, President Xi Jinping said on Friday.

Since China and Russia are each other's most important strategic cooperative partner, the development of their relationship is a joint choice and has been prioritized in the diplomacy of both countries, Xi told Sergei Ivanov, Russia's visiting presidential chief of staff and the country's former defense minister.

The two countries should enhance communication and coordination in international and regional affairs, as well as work together to push forward the resolution of major issues, Xi said.