Zhang Hanhui, director-general of the Foreign Ministry's Department of European-Central Asian Affairs, exchanged views with chinadaily.com.cn readers online on China’s ties with Russia and Central Asian countries on Thursday afternoon.
|
Zhang Hanhui (R), director-general of the Foreign Ministry's Department of European-Central Asian Affairs, looks at questions from chinadaily.com.cn readers during an online chat on Jan 12, 2012. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn] |
Q: China and Russia just celebrated in 2011 the 10th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation. Chinese President Hu Jintao also visited Russia in June, followed by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s visit to China in October 2011. Please introduce the latest developments in China-Russia ties.
A: The year 2011 marks great achievements and an important phase of China-Russia relations, and both countries promoted the development of bilateral ties continuously, comprehensively, deeply and in a healthy way.
First, the two countries maintained high-level contacts and exchanged ideas on important international events and regional issues of common concerns.
Second, President Hu Jintao’s state visit to Russia in June 2011 was a full success as both leaders agreed to upgrade the ties to a comprehensive, strategic and cooperative partnership, based on equality, mutual trust, mutual support, common prosperity and long-lasting friendship. China and Russia also decided to further deepen bilateral cooperation in trade and increase their trade volume to $100 billion by 2015 and $200 billion by 2020. This visit has instilled strong momentum for the development of bilateral relations.
Third, the two countries supported each other on important issues about sovereignty, safety and security, and development. This represented the strategic cooperation between the two countries.
Fourth, China and Russia have enhanced both the quantity and quality of bilateral cooperation, with the trade volume increasing by 42.7 percent. The two sides also negotiated or carried out cooperative projects in energy, science and other areas.
Fifth, China and Russia strengthened cultural and educational exchanges.
Sixth, China and Russia cooperated strategically and closely on international and regional affairs, such as under the multilateral frameworks of the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, and the Group of 20. This has safeguarded the common interests of both countries and also contributed to the peace, stability and development of the world.
