MOSCOW: Visiting President Hu Jintao and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin yesterday issued a joint statement pledging to further promote the Sino-Russian strategic partnership of cooperation.

Pushing forward the strategic partnership accords with the supreme interests of the two countries and is conducive to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large, the statement said.

The two sides vow to boost cooperation in the oil, gas and power sectors to consolidate "the comprehensive and long-term strategic collaborative relations in energy and resources".

On the environmental front, the two sides pledge to focus on joint monitoring of water quality in cross-border rivers and protect bio-diversity.

The two sides will also join hands to crack down on illegal immigration.

The document also outlined the two countries' concerted efforts and stances on some major international issues.

On the stand-off over Iran's nuclear issue, "China and Russia stress that the Iranian nuclear problem should be solved exclusively through peaceful means and negotiations," it said.

The two countries "also urge Iran to take all necessary and constructive steps to carry out the appropriate resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and the IAEA," said the declaration.

"(We) believe that Iran ... has the right to explore peaceful nuclear energy while adhering to all its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty," it added.

Hu arrived here earlier yesterday for a three-day state visit, during which he will meet other Russian leaders and attend activities marking the Year of China.

In a written statement issued upon his arrival at the airport, Hu said last year saw "important progress made in the development of Sino-Russian relations".

The principles set forth in the Sino-Russian Good-Neighborly Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation have been further implemented. Taking advantage of the Year of Russia in China last year, the two countries strived to promote the strategic partnership of cooperation.

Hu said bilateral ties have developed rapidly with enhanced mutual political trust, pragmatic cooperation, active cultural and educational exchanges and the strengthening of strategic coordination in dealing with international affairs.

"I believe the current visit will strengthen Sino-Russian relations and give new impetus to the expansion of pragmatic cooperation."

Hu and Putin will today attend the opening ceremony of a Chinese national exhibition.

Xinhua - Agencies

(China Daily 03/27/2007 page2)