Moscow's woes spark closer links

Cooperation already close with major long-term commodity deals in place

Falling crude prices and the rouble's depreciation will lead to more opportunities for Sino-Russian cooperation on energy, a leading industry expert said on Friday, who added that China's resource-rich neighbor will also remain eager for outside investment, particularly from Beijing.

Russia's currency saw a 20 percent drop against the dollar on Tuesday, as the downward spiral in oil prices continued.