A senior Chinese diplomat on Thursday hailed China-Russia
relations, saying that current ties are at an unprecedented
high.
Li Hui, assistant foreign minister, made the remarks at a press
conference on the Year of Russia in China.
China and Russia have solved border issues and supported each
other on major issues concerning sovereignty and territorial
integrity with increasing mutual trust, Li said.
"The two sides have expanded cooperation in the fields of trade,
investment, energy, science and technology and humanities, which
have brought about tangible benefits for the two peoples," he
said.
The two countries have also supported each other in relation to
international issues such as UN reform, the Korean Peninsular and
Iran nuclear issues, and the building of a multipolar world.
"China and Russia are each other's largest neighbors and
important strategic partners," Li said, noting that ensuring the
long-lasting friendship between the two is a long-term policy for
both governments.
Russian Ambassador to China Sergey Razov said that military
cooperation is not the most important part of Russia-China
relations.
Razov gave an introduction to the Year of Russia, to be
inaugurated during Russian President Vladimir Putin's state visit
to China on March 21 and 22.
Razov told the media not to pay too much attention to the
military programs during the Year of Russia, which after all
account for only a portion of the planned activities.
In August 2005, Chinese and Russian armed forces conducted their
first-ever joint military drill.
Razov said the drill was aimed at boosting bilateral cooperation
in fighting against terrorism and promoting peace and stability in
the region.
"The drill and military cooperation between the two countries
are not targeted at any third party," Razov stressed.
The Year of Russia in 2006 in China, and the Year of China in
2007 in Russia were declared in a joint statement last year. The
two goodwill programs involve cooperation and exchange in many
areas, and are designed to enhance mutual understanding between the
two countries and peoples.
(Xinhua News Agency March 16, 2006)