Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Russia's Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev meet in Moscow on Thursday. [Photo: Xinhua]

China and Russia on Thursday signed a number of agreements, with a focus on energy and trade, to boost cooperation as both countries are eyeing further growth against the backdrop of the global economic downturn.

The countries should further expand bilateral trade and realize the goal of $100 billion by 2015 at an early date, Premier Wen Jiabao said at the 17th regular meeting between Chinese and Russian prime ministers.

Wen and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements in energy, nuclear power, transport, high-tech, personnel training and cultural sectors.

"As profound changes are taking place in the world and in the regional situation and risks are growing with the global economic downturn, China and Russia should come closer to jointly tackle the challenges and speed up our own development," Wen said.

The two countries should also enhance coordination and cooperation at multilateral occasions and protect their common interests, Wen said.

Co-chairing the meeting with Medvedev, Wen put forward seven proposals including promoting cooperation in energy, investment, processing industry, technology and aviation.

The meeting serves as "a link between the past and future", Wen said at a joint news conference after the meeting.

It was the 10th and final time that Wen co-chaired the meeting, as China concluded its once-a-decade leadership transition in November. It was also the first time Medvedev has hosted the meeting since assuming office as prime minister.

Hailing the meeting "efficient and having strategic meanings", Medvedev said in addition to increasing trade, the two countries should also improve the quality of cooperation in two-way investment, high-tech, nuclear power and aircraft manufacturing.