China, Russia sign deals on energy, high-speed railways

MOSCOW -- China and Russia on Monday inked a host of cooperation deals ranging from finance and investment to energy and high-speed railways.

Visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev, witnessed the signing of the about 40 agreements after holding the 19th China-Russia Prime Ministers' Regular Meeting.

The documents, including governmental accords and business contracts, also cover trade, people-to-people exchanges, advanced technology, satellite navigation, currency swap and customs.

The frequent meetings between the two countries' leaders fully indicate that the relations between China and Russia are strategic, stable and for the long run, Li said in the talks with Medvedev.

Further strengthening bilateral cooperation, he added, will benefit both the two major emerging economies themselves and world peace and development at large.

China stands ready to work with Russia to translate their comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination into more fruits of practical cooperation, said the premier.

China, he added, would like to enhance cooperation with Russia on major investment projects in such areas as mining, chemical industry, agriculture and infrastructure construction.

On the trade front, China has been Russia's largest partner for the past four consecutive years. Two-way trade reached $89.2 billion last year and plans are afoot to raise the volume to 100 billion dollars by 2015.

China is also ready to advance the establishment of a Eurasian high-speed transport corridor linking Beijing and Moscow, Li said, adding that the current priority should be the high-speed railway between Moscow and Kazan.

Regarding energy cooperation, the Chinese premier said Beijing will deepen cooperation with Moscow in nuclear power and energy in an integrated way that covers upstream, midstream and downstream industries.

Since its establishment 65 years ago, the diplomatic relationship between the two neighboring giants has now reached an "all-time high point," with frequent high-level visits, surging trade and investment and an increasing number of large-scale projects.

Li also encouraged the two sides to further enhance people-to-people exchanges and jointly mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II next year.

For his part, Medvedev said Russia is willing to promote two-way large-scale investment and advance cooperation with China in areas including transportation infrastructure and aviation.

Russia and China are close friends and partners, he said.

Chinese vice premier, Putin witness start of construction on China-Russia gas pipeline	China, Russia to start construction of joint gas pipeline