Cooperation reaps rewards

Russian President Vladimir Putin starts a state visit to China today. The visit will have a far-reaching influence on Sino-Russian ties and steer the development of future bilateral cooperation.

Thanks to efforts from both sides, the relationship between Beijing and Moscow is in good shape. The leaders of the two countries have maintained frequent contact and comprehensive communication on issues of common concern.

By enhancing mutual trust and expanding mutual benefits, the two have reaped fruitful results from their cooperation in a wide range of fields. While the world economic recovery remains sluggish, Sino-Russian collaboration in trade and energy has flourished. The bilateral trade volume reached $80 billion in 2011, showing a year-on-year increase of 42.7 percent.

China is now Russia's largest trade partner. In the first quarter of this year, trade between the two countries grew by 33 percent, reaching $21.49 billion.

Energy cooperation is an important part of the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation between China and Russia. An early agreement on the price of natural gas will be a big boost to the robust growth of bilateral ties.

During Putin's visit, China and Russia are expected to sign a series of declarations deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership. The two will jointly promote a new security concept in the Asia-Pacific region based on mutual trust, mutual benefits, equality and cooperation.

Putin is also scheduled to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Beijing. As founding members, China and Russia have a common interest in pushing the SCO to play a greater role in safeguarding regional peace and development.

Beijing and Moscow have maintained close collaboration in other multilateral platforms including the United Nations Security Council. The two hold similar stances toward major regional and international issues and are committed to building a multipolar world and the democratization of international relations.

Both emerging economies, their deeper cooperation not only caters to their own interests, but also contributes to the establishment of a new and more rational world order.

At a time when East Asia and North Africa have undergone profound changes, Beijing and Moscow have been standing firmly together to safeguard the tenets of the UN charter and the norms of international relations.

Their growing partnership built on their longtime friendship conforms to the trend of the times and bodes well for the future.

(China Daily 06/05/2012 page8)