China and Russia signed agreements on Sunday to boost energy cooperation, including a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop a second route to supply China with Russian natural gas.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin witnessed the signing of a series of bilateral cooperation agreements, including an MOU of the China-Russia West Route natural gas pipeline and a framework agreement between the China National Petroleum Corporation, China's largest oil and gas producer, and Russia's energy giant Gazprom.

Strengthening energy cooperation is of great significance to safeguarding the energy security between China and Russia, the two leaders agreed during their meeting ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting from November 10-11.

The two countries have seen broader and closer feasible cooperation in new areas, according to the two leaders.

They agreed to push forward the construction of the east route gas pipeline as scheduled, launch the west route at an earlier date, negotiate major oil projects in an earnest manner, and discuss new cooperation projects on nuclear power and hydropower.

The two leaders also agreed to beef up cooperation in high-speed rail, high technology, aerospace and finance.

The meeting is the 10th between Xi and Putin since Xi took office in March 2013.

Speaking at a meeting with Putin, Xi said Sino-Russian relations should be a diplomatic priority for both countries despite the changing international situation.

"No matter how the international landscape shifts, we must insist on giving priority to the development of Sino-Russian ties in our diplomatic endeavors, constantly boost political and strategic mutual trust, and continue to expand and deepen comprehensive cooperation," he said.

• [Editor:Yueleilei]