China and Russia said in a joint statement issued on Monday that reforms of the UN should be based on the broadest consensus among member states.

 

The document, signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and visiting President Hu Jintao, said that "attempts at forcefully enlarging the UN Security Council could only yield adverse results and reforms should be based on seeking the broadest consensus among member states through consultation."

 

The statement said the two countries have common stance on key principled issues in international politics, and have similar views on major regional and international issues.

 

"China and Russia will further coordinate and deepen strategic cooperation in foreign affairs to create a favorable international environment for the development of both sides," said the document.

 

In the statement, the two countries agreed to push ahead multilateralism and democratization of international relations, respecting the priority of international laws and pushing forward the realization of a harmonious world with lasting peace and common prosperity.

 

It also stressed the importance of further completing the treaties and laws on international anti-terrorism cooperation. Both sides expressed hope that the Convention on the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism could enter into force at an early date.

 

On preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their carriers, China and Russia promised to tighten export control. They also called on all nations to strictly abide by UN Security Council Resolution 1540.

 

The joint document also underlined the importance of enacting laws and concluding treaties to prevent arms race in the outer space, as well as of adopting measures to curb new threats arising from the swift development of communication systems and the technology of information industry including the Internet.

 

President Hu arrived in Moscow earlier on Monday for a three-day state visit.

 

(Xinhua News Agency March 27, 2007)