Li says China willing to expand cooperation with Russia

DUSHANBE - China is willing to innovate cooperation ideas with Russia and expand bilateral cooperation in energy, technology and finance, Premier Li Keqiang said on Friday.

Li made the remarks when meeting with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in Dushanbe, capital of Tajikistan, when the two leaders were attending the 17th meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Under the current complex and changing international situation, China is ready to further strengthen comprehensive strategic coordination with Russia and innovate ideas to tap bigger collaboration potential and inject fresh impetus to bilateral cooperation, Li said.

He said that thanks to efforts from both sides, bilateral trade cooperation has gained long-term development.

Medvedev told Li that with steady and practical cooperation in all fields between the two countries, along with positive development of energy cooperation and deepened regional exchanges, bilateral trade volume is expected to exceed $100 billion this year.

He said Russia is willing to work with China to safeguard multilateralism and free trade to contribute to global peace, stability and prosperity. And he expects to visit China within the year for the China-Russia Prime Ministers' Regular Meeting.