国内英语新闻:Chinese, Russian premiers pledge broader cooperation to enhance ties

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, agreed Tuesday to shore up reciprocal and practical cooperation to further consolidate bilateral relations.

Following the 15th regular meeting between the Chinese and Russian heads of government, Wen told a press conference that the latest gathering reinforced the political mutual trust between the two sides and significantly pushed forward bilateral cooperation.

The two premiers reached important consensus on bilateral ties and important global affairs, and were confident that the positive results of the meeting would help inject new energy into the comprehensive development of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination, Wen said.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (L) and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin attend a news conference after the 15th regular meeting between the Chinese and Russian prime ministers, in St. Petersburg, Russia, Nov. 23, 2010.

China's modernization poses no harm to the interests of any other country, Wen said, adding that stronger China-Russia collaboration will not only benefit the two countries, but also contribute to regional peace and stability.

The two sides have maintained close coordination on such multilateral platforms as the UN and the Group of 20 major economies, and their cooperation is all-around, Wen said.

China is ready to take part in Russia's efforts to build infrastructure and establish special economic zones, and is delighted to invite more Russian youths to learn the Chinese language or study in China, he added.

Noting that the latest international financial crisis has left a far-reaching fallout, the Chinese premier said that both Beijing and Moscow are now facing a variety of challenges, and that both sides have the responsibility to defend their interests.