Deals pave way for closer Sino-Russian links
By Hu Qihua (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-07-02 01:30

MOSCOW: China and Russia on Friday signed bilateral deals on energy, electricity and finance, paving the way for increased "mutually advantageous" co-operation.

President Hu Jintao talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin as they meets in Moscow, July 1, 2005. [Xinhua]

"I'm pleased with the success that we achieved in various fields," said visiting President Hu Jintao, after nearly two-hours of talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

A protocol was signed on an oil-field co-operation between Russia's Rosneft oil company and the China National Petrochemical Corporation (Sinopec), together with a framework agreement on long-term co-operation between the Russian firm and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC).

CNPC President Chen Geng said the agreement with Rosneft covers technology and information exchanges.

"Both sides are confident that in 2006, Russia's promised oil deliveries of 15 million tons will be achieved," he said.

Sinopec President Chen Tonghai told China Daily that the agreement, the first of its kind between the two sides, marks a good start for the two companies on oil and gas exploration.

According to the protocol, the companies will discuss the possibility of joint exploration of a 5,300 square kilometre oil field in the Far East.

Chen also refuted claims that China's energy policy is "too aggressive", saying the country is just a "late-comer" to overseas energy co-operation.

Beijing experts have said such deals are the logical outcome of a long process where economic interests of both sides benefit.

"China has a large market and Russia has very rich reserves, so it's natural for the two countries to provide each other with competitive conditions," said Xing Guangcheng, general secretary of the Chinese Association for East European, Russia and Central Asian Studies.

Heads of both states also gave the green light for energy co-operation between the two corporations.

In addition to economic co-operation, the two countries are keen to take their strategic partnership to a higher level.

"Exchanges are being intensified in trade, economic, energy, cultural, educational, military-technical and other fields," Putin said on Friday.

"The two sides provide support to each other on such issues as sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also maintain sound co-ordination in the international arena," Hu said.

Russia and China intend to strengthen mutual support in resolving problems affecting their vital interests, including the problems of Chechnya and Taiwan, Hu said.

Touching on Sino-Russian co-operation on the international arena, Hu said both sides were "backing each other not only on problems of state sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also on global and regional problems."

A major product of Hu's visit has been the signing on Friday of a joint statement by the two state leaders in which they share similar stands on major international issues.

They both support a new, just and rational international order and a larger UN role in world affairs.

"The new security architecture should be based on respect of all states' equal right to security and an equal dialogue. Consultations and talks should be the method for solving disputes and protecting peace," said the document.

(China Daily 07/02/2005 page1)

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