BEIJING — Premier Li Keqiang called on China and Russia to exhaust all means possible to double their trade value on March 15.

Bilateral trade exceeded $100 billion last year despite sagging global trade growth, Premier Li told a news conference after the conclusion of China’s annual legislative session, calling on both sides to consolidate the achievement.

A sound and stable relationship between China and Russia serves not only both countries, the region, but also the whole world, Premier Li said.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

“In the past seven decades, our relationship has traveled an extraordinary journey, and today it has reached a high level featuring deepening mutual political trust and growing people-to-people exchange,” said Premier Li, noting that there is great potential for further cooperation.