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Wen addresses press conference (full text)
(China Daily)
Updated: 2005-03-15 02:11

ITAR-TASS: In the latter half of this year you are going to meet the Russian prime minister. Could you brief us on the latest development in economic co-operation and trade between China and Russia, especially in the energy sector? Any programmes?

Wen: China and Russia are friendly countries toward each other, sharing a border of 4,000 kilometres long.

Over the years, the relationship between the two countries has grown better than ever before.

Last year, the two countries identified principles for developing a strategic partnership of co-ordination.

We worked out programmes on the implementation of the Sino-Russian Treaty on Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Co-operation, and set a goal for US$20 billion in trade by the end of this year. And this volume is to be further increased to between US$60-80 billion by 2010.

China and Russia have solved a historical legacy on the boundary issue, laying a solid foundation for greater development of bilateral ties in the future.

In the latter half of this year, I am going to meet the Russian prime minister for a 10th regular meeting. We are going to discuss further issues related to economic development and trade between the two countries, in particular energy co-operation. With regard to energy co-operation, I wish to make three points.

First, energy co-operation between China and Russia is an important component to the overall friendly relationship between the two countries.

Second, energy co-operation between our two countries is based on equality and mutual benefit.

Third, there are already important agreements concerning energy co-operation. We have agreed to increase Russian oil exports to China through use of railways.

The targets are 9 million tons for 2004, 10 million tons for 2005 and 15 million tons for next year.

The Russian Government and President Putin have made it very clear that preference will be given to China when they build the Siberian oil gas pipeline. We have also targeted the possibility of co-operation in oil and gas development.

In addition, efforts have been made in other areas of economic co-operation and trade.