Ahead of his upcoming trip to Russia, Chinese President Hu Jintao praised China-Russia relations,
saying he expected his visit to achieve substantial fruits.
Hu was speaking on Tuesday to Russian journalists ahead of his
visit to their country from March 26 to 28.?
"I am expecting to confer with President Putin on deepening
China-Russian strategic partnership of cooperation and expanding
bilateral cooperation in various fields," said Hu. "I believe that,
under joint efforts of both sides, the visit will achieve
substantial fruits, and inject new motivation into the growth of
China-Russian ties and bilateral pragmatic cooperation."
Hu noted the areas in which China and Russia enjoyed fruitful
cooperation, naming those of politics, economy, trade, science,
technology and culture. Turning to world affairs, Hu acclaimed the
bilateral coordination seen in terms of the Korean Peninsula
nuclear issue, Iran nuclear issue among other international and
regional areas of concern.
"The development of bilateral strategic partnership of
cooperation is the common desire and inevitable option of the two
nations and the two peoples," Hu said.
The Chinese president rolled out a four-point proposal in
further promoting bilateral ties. The first will aim to boost
political mutual trust and support on issues concerning national
core interests.
The second is to extend the range of pragmatic cooperation in
terms of the economy, trade, energy, science and technology.
Thirdly, both powers should fully utilize the Year of China in
Russia to further strengthen cultural respect and understanding
between the two peoples.
In closing, Hu finally stressed that the two nations should
promote strategic coordination in international and regional
affairs, thus aiding world peace and development, said Hu.
During his three-day visit, Hu will attend the opening ceremony
of the Year of China in Russia, the sister to the Year of Russia in
China held last year.
The festival will give center-stage to 200 activities focusing
on culture, politics, economy, science, and technology.
"The Year of Russia in China achieved full success, and I
believe that the Year of China in Russia will have the same
success," Hu said, adding that this year was important for the
momentum of bilateral relations and that the 11-year old strategic
partnership would now enter a new stage.
(Xinhua News Agency March 26, 2007)