Wen makes 7-point proposal on cooperation with Russia

MOSCOW - Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Thursday put forward a seven-point proposal on further advancing cooperation with Russia.

Wen made the proposal at the 17th regular China-Russia premiers' meeting co-chaired by Wen and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev.

Lauding the role of regular meetings between the two countries' heads of government, Wen said the mechanism has helped the two nations score a series of important achievements in bilateral practical cooperation over the past 10 years.

But more efforts should be made to further boost their cooperation, Wen proposed.

Firstly, to expand two-way trade between the two nations so as to reach the 2015 target volume of 100 billion U.S. dollars at an earlier date.

Secondly, to advance all-round cooperation on energy so as to safeguard energy security of the two countries and promote sustainable development.

Thirdly, to expand cooperation in such key areas as investment, deep processing, high-tech and innovation and promote cooperation on major strategic projects featuring joint research and development and joint production in the areas of aeronautics and astronautics.

Fourthly, to take full advantage of regular meetings of local leaders so as to boost regional cooperation between the two countries.

Fifthly, to give free play to market mechanisms and lend support and convenience to enterprises on policy and management levels.

Sixthly, to further expand cultural exchanges and, in particular, hold a successful China Tourism Year in Russia and implement the 10-year program on future cultural cooperation.

As his seventh and last point, Wen urged active participation in global economic governance so as to facilitate reforms of international economic and financial system.

Currently, international and regional situation is undergoing complex and profound changes and the world economy is faced with greater downside risks, Wen said.

Under such circumstances, China and Russia need to work more closely to meet challenges, promote their respective development an conduct close coordination in multilateral areas in a bid to safeguard their common interests, the premier said. '   The two countries should continue to view bilateral relations from an overall strategic perspective and maintain important mechanisms such as regular premiers' meeting so as to make a concerted effort to bring a broader prospect for China-Russia friendly cooperation, Wen said.

Echoing Wen's proposal and appraisal of bilateral relations, Medvedev said that Russia-China relations, which are in their best-ever shape, can be cited as a fine example of new-type relations between responsible powers.

He said that the current meeting yielded substantial results, which will give fresh momentum to the development of bilateral ties.

On the occasion, Wen and Medvedev signed a joint communique of the 17th regular meeting between Chinese and Russian prime ministers and witnessed the signing of a number of bilateral cooperative documents.

Wen arrived Wednesday in Moscow to attend the regular premiers' meeting and pay an official visit to Russia.