China, Ukraine plan to deepen strategic partnership

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) shakes hands with Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych before their talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Dec 5, 2013. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

China and Ukraine on Thursday tabled a five-year plan to deepen their strategic partnership.

From 2014 to 2018, the two countries will work closely in agriculture, energy, resources, infrastructure construction, finance, high-tech, aviation and aerospace, said a joint statement, which was issued after Chinese President Xi Jinpingand Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych held talks on Thursday.

The two countries will promote cooperation in big projects and promote the balanced growth of bilateral economic collaboration, the statement said.

The two countries will support industrial sectors to expand mutual investment and make joint efforts to improve the investment and operation environment, the statement said.

The two countries will step up bilateral and multilateral cooperation in law-enforcement security and the administration of justice, and set up a new dialogue and contact mechanism, the statement said.

They will carry out people-to-people cooperation, work more closely in culture, education, journalism, tourism, health and sports, increase exchanges among people and the youth so as to enhance mutual understanding and friendship, the statement said.

On the political front, the statement said leaders of both countries spoke highly of the achievements made in bilateral relations, noting that the establishment and development of the China-Ukraine strategic partnership is historically a correct choice.

There is huge potential for the expansion and deepening of bilateral cooperation in various areas, which complies with the fundamental interests of the two countries and their people, it said.

China and Ukraine on Thursday signed a treaty of friendly cooperation, which marks an upgrade of bilateral ties, it said.

The treaty summarizes the main principles and achievements in bilateral relations, it said.

The two sides decide to jointly push forward the bilateral strategic partnership on the basis of the newly signed friendly cooperation treaty as well as the principles set forth in the documents signed by the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, said the statement.

The two sides underline their support to each other on issues concerning national sovereignty, reunification and territorial integrity.

Neither party shall allow the founding or the activities of organizations of separatism, terrorism and extremism in its territory, which will undermine the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the other party, it said.

Ukraine reaffirms its firm adherence to the one-China policy and opposed "Taiwan independence" in any form.

Both sides will take effective measures to protect the legitimate rights of each other's citizens and legal persons.

China and Ukraine will continue to enhance dialogue and collaboration within the United Nationsand other multilateral frameworks, and keep in close contact on international and regional issues of mutual concern, according to the statement.

The statement pointed out the core role of the UN in maintaining world peace, promoting common development and international cooperation. China and Ukraine advocate adherence to the purpose and principles of the UN Charter, peaceful solution of international disputes and hot issues, while opposing the use or threat of force and all forms of terrorism.

Both sides voice their willingness to enhance cooperation in combating terrorism, separatism, extremism and other crimes, it said.

Both sides agree to push forward the process of democratization of international relations toward a fairer and more just international order.

China and Ukraine advocate stronger macroeconomic policy coordination, active participation in global economic and political governance and trade and investment liberalization and facilitation. They oppose trade and investment protectionism and discrimination, the statement said.

Yanukovych welcomed President Xi to visit Ukraine at a convenient time. President Xi thanked him for his invitation and accepted it with delight.