Li's visit to further China-Russia ties

MOSCOW - Chinese Vice-Premier Li Keqiang's upcoming visit to Russia would further facilitate the development of China-Russia relations, Chinese Ambassador to Russia Li Hui said.

The two giant neighbors would enjoy broader prospects in their relations and continue benefiting the two peoples, Ambassador Li said in a joint interview with Chinese media here.

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The ambassador said the vice-premier's visit to Russia was one of the most important bilateral exchanges in 2012, adding that the vice premier would meet Russian leaders, senior officials, and local people from various circles.

Ambassador Li said that as a major event in bilateral relations, the visit was expected to enhance mutual political trust and promote pragmatic bilateral cooperation in various fields, such as politics, economy and trade, culture, technology and energy.

"The visit will make a positive impact on the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination," he said.

Li also said China-Russia relations have hit an all-time high and the development of the countries' comprehensive strategic partnership has entered a new phase.

"Development of China-Russia relations maintain a good momentum and the countries' relationship has set a good example for international relations, especially relations between big powers," Li said.

The good relations were demonstrated in frequent contacts, enhanced mutual political trust, expanded mutually beneficial cooperation, promoted cultural exchanges and close strategic coordination in international and regional affairs, Li said.

Meanwhile, the ambassador pointed out that both countries would have to meet the challenge of modernization when entering a new developing era.

"It requires the two sides to further promote their mutual political trust, broaden cooperation in various fields, strengthen coordination on international and regional affairs and safeguard peace, stability and development in the world," Li said.

The countries should also maintain their frequent high-level exchanges, consolidate and boost the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination, and promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, he added.

Li said these requirements, agreed by the countries' leaders, were aimed at creating favorable conditions for both countries' development and were in the interests of both sides.

China and Russia have already achieved results in their pragmatic economic and trade cooperation sticking to the principles of mutual equality and mutual benefit, the ambassador said.

"China has become Russia's top trade partner," he said, adding that bilateral trade volume reached about $80 billion dollars in 2011, a record high showing a 42.7-percent year-on-year rise.