China-Russia relations

Our relationship with Russia is one of the priorities of China's diplomacy. The two countries have enjoyed mutual support on issues that concern each other's core interests. We have the same or similar views on many major international and regional issues. And we coordinate and communicate closely.

Practical cooperation between China and Russia enjoys bright prospects. Last year the two countries signed a series of important cooperation agreements covering oil, natural gas, coal, electricity, nuclear energy and high speed rail links. The relevant cooperation projects are now well underway. We expect the Sino-Russian oil pipeline project to be completed by the end of this year and the pipeline to enter into operation next year.

In addition, the two countries are committed to promoting cooperation between China's northeast and Russia's Far East and Eastern Siberia. The two sides have agreed to promote cooperation in a series of cross-border infrastructure projects. I believe they will serve as exemplars.

Thanks to the personal commitment and support of the leaders of both countries, and to the joint efforts of both sides, today's China-Russia relationship is a mature, stable, healthy and dynamic strategic partnership of coordination. It has become a model for international relations, particularly relations between major countries.

This year will see many high-level exchanges between China and Russia. President Hu Jintao, Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee Wu Bangguo, Premier Wen Jiabao and other Chinese leaders will have frequent meetings and talks with President Dmitry Medvedev, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, Federation Council Chairman Sergei Mironov, State Duma Chairman Boris Gryzlov and other Russian leaders.

At the invitation of Prime Minister Putin, Vice President Xi Jinping will pay an official visit to Russia in late March during which he will attend the opening ceremony of the Year of Chinese Language in Russia. I believe all these meetings and visits will give a new strong impetus to the further growth of China-Russia relations. And I'm confident that the relationship will become better and better.