Putin: Sino-Russian ties to grow
(China Daily)
Updated: 2004-10-13 00:02

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed the hope to strengthen the strategic partnership between China and Russia and believed that the two sides will address any emerging problems through mutual consultation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin starts his China visit October 14, 2004. China and Russia are expected to sign a border deal during his visit. [Xinhua]

Putin made the remarks during an interview with Chinese mass media in Moscow ahead of his three-day visit to China, which begins Thursday, People's Daily reported Wednesday.

During his visit, he is scheduled to meet top Chinese leaders, including President Hu Jintao, top legislator Wu Bangguo and Premier Wen Jiabao.

In the interview, Putin said China and Russia are co-operating in politics, trade, science and culture and are strengthening their co-ordination and co-operation in international and regional affairs.

There is no problem that cannot be resolved through mutual consultation as long as the two sides pay attention to the interests of the other side, he was quoted as saying in the report.

Putin said the two sides have been holding a totally open dialogue in the field of energy.

He said no political, ideological or economic issues can prevent Russia and China from expanding their fuel and energy co-operation.

Russia hopes China can be a stable and increasing market for Russian energy exports, but the choice of pipeline routes in eastern Russia will be primarily guided by its own national interest.

He said Russia wanted to develop the eastern parts of the county and is planning some ambitious infrastructure construction there.

The design of the route of the oil pipe will take these into account, he added.

However, the Russian President said he would not only consider his nation's interests in the Far East but also those of the Chinese people.

He said he planed to discuss these issues with his Chinese counterpart and is sure they will find solutions that are acceptable for the two sides.

Putin said he highly appreciated the Chinese Government and people's support when the Russian people suffer from terrorist attacks and hostage-taking events.

He urged the world community to jointly combat terrorism and looked forward to Russia and China developing co-operation in the struggle against international terrorism.

Concerning the border issue between Russia and China, Putin said he wished it could be settled in the near future.

Putin said the foreign ministries off the two countries have been working hard for a long time to find a solution to the border issues.

He hoped the talks on this issue to be completed soon with taking into account the interests of both sides.

This year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of China-Russia diplomatic ties.

As a memorable year, the leaders of the two countries have named 2004 the Year of Youth Friendship between China and Russia.

Putin said he will meet the youth representatives from the two countries during his stay in China.

He said the future of the two countries' economies lies in the high-tech industries and he hoped that excellent young professional will play an active role in this field.

Putin said Russia is willing to work with China to make more efforts to improve bilateral ties. Bilateral trade in all spheres has flourished, with overall turnover expected to top US$20 billion this year.

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