国内英语新闻:Premier Wen's visit to Russia will promote Sino-Russian ties: Chinese FM

WUHAN, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said Monday that Premier Wen Jiabao's imminent visit to Russia and the 15th regular meeting between the Chinese and Russian prime ministers would further promote the bilateral relationship.

Yang made the remarks while meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov at the 10th Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of China, Russia and India in central China's Wuhan city.

However, Yang did not give a specific date for the prime ministers' meeting in Russia.

During his meeting with Lavrov, Yang praised progress of the development of China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination this year. He said China was willing to work with Russia to comprehensively carry out the consensus of their leaders.

Next year, the two countries would hold grand celebrations to mark the 10th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia treaty of good neighborliness, friendship and cooperation, he said.

He thanked Russia for its firm support to China on issues related to Taiwan, Tibet and Xinjiang.

Lavrov said Russia placed special emphasis on promoting the bilateral strategic partnership of coordination, and was willing to enhance bilateral and international cooperation with China.

Later Monday, Yang accompanied Lavrov to lay a wreath at the tomb of martyrs of the Soviet Air Force who died in World War II.