China-Russia relations enjoy broad prospects

Further development of China-Russia relations is in the interests of the two peoples and of the times, Chinese Ambassador to Russia Li Hui said in two articles published ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin's upcoming visit to China.

The two giant neighbors would enjoy broader prospects in their relations, the ambassador said.

According to Li, Putin's state visit to China on June 5-7 is of great significance to the development of China-Russia relations and of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in the next decade.

During the visit, Chinese and Russian leaders will exchange views on bilateral ties as well as global and regional issues of common concerns, Li said, adding the two sides are also expected to sign a joint communique and a number of agreements on cooperation.

"As each other's largest neighbor and most important strategic cooperation partner, China and Russia are experiencing unprecedented good relations. Their relations have hit an all-time high," Li said.

Cooperation between the two countries not only boost their development respectively, but also facilitate global and regional peace and stability, he said.

With the deepening of mutual trust, the two sides both set the development of relations with another as one of their priorities, Li added.

The ambassador noted tangible bilateral cooperation has benefited the two peoples.

"In 2011, bilateral trade volume reached 80 billion U.S. dollars, a record high showing a 42.7-percent year-on-year rise," Li said.

The countries have expanded their cooperation in fields like energy, high-tech, finance and regional cooperation, optimize bilateral trade structure and increase investments, he said.

Besides, both Russia and China have strived to boost people-to-people and cultural exchanges, he added.

Sharing similar positions on many international issues, the two countries "have joined their hands in driving multipolarization, realizing democratization of international relations and facilitating a harmonious world," Li said.

"As permanent members of the UN Security Council and major emerging economies, the two countries' cooperation in international affairs is not only in their own interests, but also in the interests of building a fair and equitable new international order," he added.

Referring to the SCO, Li noted the next decade will be a crucial period for the development of the organization and its member states.

"The Beijing summit will set priorities for the SCO's development, including safeguarding the security, facilitating the development, improving people's livelihoods and expanding exchanges," Li said.

As the world is undergoing complicated and profound changes, both China and Russia are facing increasing instabilities and uncertainties, Li noted.

"Developments of China-Russia relations and of the SCO face both challenges and opportunities," he said.

Putin's visit to China would further boost the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination and push forward the development of the SCO to a new high, he concluded.

Established on 15 June, 2001 in Shanghai, the SCO is an intergovernmental international organization which groups Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Its observer states include India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan, while its dialogue partners are Belarus and Sri Lanka.

The SCO summit will be held in Beijing on June 6-7.