The strategic partnership between China and Russia has never been stronger, according to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

At a meeting with Valentina Matviyenko, the speaker of the Federation Council -- the Russian parliament's upper house -- in Beijing on Monday, he said that the two countries must work together to lead the correct direction of global governance reform, and safeguard the common interests of emerging market countries and developing countries.

The relationship between China and Russia has been growing ever closer since Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year. While Beijing maintains its neutrality in the conflict, its refusal to condemn the invasion has drawn criticism from Kyiv's allies, who accuse it of favouring the Russian side.

Nevertheless, the two countries have ramped up economic cooperation and diplomatic contacts, and Matviyenko said that a March visit by had "injected strong impetus into the further development of Russia-China relations".

The Chinese president said that the development of relations between the two countries was "a strategic choice made by both countries based on the fundamental interests of their respective countries and peoples".

He emphasized the importance of strengthening communication and collaboration within multilateral mechanisms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the BRICS countries.

He also said that China was "willing to continue to work with Russia to develop a comprehensive strategic partnership of mutual assistance, deep integration, innovation, and inclusive cooperation in the new era".

At the same time, Western leaders were gathering in Lithuania's capital ahead of a summit expected to present unity on Ukraine's future membership of the NATO military alliance, a prospect Russia has reacted to with fury. In such a tense environment, it is all the more important for China and Russia to cooperate.

The two countries have already worked together to ensure their shared interests are protected, from the establishment of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, to their collaboration on the Belt and Road Initiative.

Both countries are committed to deepening the integration of their economies and strengthening their strategic partnership, and are working on new projects and initiatives to bring their countries ever closer.

Their joint efforts will no doubt have a positive influence on the global economy, as well as on global governance reform. China and Russia need to continue to collaborate to lead the correct direction of global governance reform, and safeguard the common interests of emerging market countries and developing countries. In doing so, they will ensure that their strategic partnership continues to go from strength to strength.