China-Russia gas deal set to be signed

Officials expect to finalize agreement during Putin's official visit next week

China and Russia have agreed on most of a deal for natural gas delivery and cooperation on other projects. It will be signed during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Beijing next week, a senior Chinese official said on Thursday.

Companies from both sides are finalizing the gas contracts in Moscow, and the aim is to sign them during Putin's visit, Deputy Foreign Minister Cheng Guoping told a press briefing.