By Chen Jia (China Daily)
Updated: 2007-09-19 07:21

The first stage of a cooperative program under which Russia will supply electricity to China as part of the "Year of China" in Russia has begun, Sino-Russian Peace and Friendship Committee Chairman Leonid Drachevsky said Tuesday.

Russia has agreed to supply 60 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity to China annually. At present, it supplies 2-3 trillion kilowatt-hours. "So you could imagine how important this program is," he said.

The program is divided into three phases, and the final timetable will depend on how the first phase progresses, he said.

Russia has an open mind toward all countries, he said, but especially welcomed China to promote investments in cooperative programs to build power stations.

A survey conducted last month shows 21 percent Russians regard China as the best partner for the next 10 to 15 years. The poll was conducted by a Russian research center and covered 153 communities in 46 counties.

"The programs associated with the 'Year of China' in Russia have greatly stimulated the development of Sino-Russian relations not only on energy and the economy, but also on culture and communication," Drachevsky said.