国内英语新闻:China, Russia vow to expand bilateral cooperation

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan met his Russian counterpart Alexander Zhukov on Monday, both speaking highly of the bilateral ties and vowing to expand cooperation on all fields.

In the 14th meeting of the Joint Commission for the Regular Meetings of Heads of Government of China and Russia, Wang appreciated Sino-Russian relations as the two countries have further strengthened their strategic partnership of coordination, promoted mutual understanding and boosted pragmatic cooperation in all areas.

He said bilateral trade volume between the two countries has rebound to the pre-crisis level, with comprehensive energy cooperation, covering areas of crude, nuclear power, electricity and coal, being further developed.

Bilateral economic cooperation with significant strategic nature has been maintaining momentum, Wang said, appreciating its achievements in some joint projects of finance and infrastructure.

Wang also noted that Sino-Russian economic cooperation is standing at a new start, as China is drafting the "twelfth five- year" development plan to transform its pattern of economic growth and Russia is implementing its strategy for modernization.

Both countries should grasp the opportunities to boost bilateral cooperation in economy and trade, investment, energy, finance, technology, aerospace, telecommunication, transport and other fields, he said.

Wang stressed China is willing to jointly endeavor with Russia to ameliorate bilateral trade structure, further promote and innovate cooperation to achieve the goal of win-win.

With regards to his regular meeting with Zhukov, Wang spoke highly of the meeting as it was a bolster for the upcoming meetings of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao with Russian leaders.

Wang appreciated this dialogue mechanism between China and Russia, saying the two countries should continue candid communication and boost bilateral cooperation to achieve more fruits.

Zhukov appreciated the Sino-Russian economic and trade cooperation as it has stood the test of the global financial crisis and revived to growth.

He also spoke highly of bilateral energy cooperation in nuclear power, coal, electricity and timber, noting that the completion of Sino-Russian pipeline has upgraded the level of practical cooperation.

Both countries are effectively carrying out interlocal outlines issued before, Zhukov said, adding that Russia will take the opportunity of this meeting to further boost bilateral cooperation to a new level.

At the invitation of Deputy Prime Ministers Alexander Zhukov and Igor Sechin, Wang arrived in St. Petersburg on Nov. 21, kicking off his visit to Russia.

On Monday, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao also arrived in St. Petersburg, starting his official visit to Russia.