Russia willing to strengthen cultural cooperation with China: PM

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov said Monday in Moscow that his country is willing to strengthen cultural cooperation with China.

Fradkov made the remarks while meeting with Chinese State Councilor Chen Zhili, who arrived here Saturday to co-chair the fifth session of the China-Russia Cooperation Committee on Education, Culture, Health and Sports with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Zhukov.

The joint committee was inaugurated in December 2000, with an aim to promote bilateral cooperation in these areas.

Fradkov said the two countries have a great potential to reinforce cooperation in culture. Russia supports establishing cultural centers and holding cultural festivals mutually in both countries and carrying out active collaboration in the fields such as sanitation, publishing, TV programs, films, news, sports and files, he added.

While expressing her condolences over the recent terrorist incidents in Russia, which resulted in heavy casualties, Chen stressed that the Chinese government strongly supports the Russian government in its efforts to fight terrorism in Chechnya and will make joint efforts with Russia to maintain peace and security in the region and the world as a whole.

China attaches importance to developing friendly relations with Russia. Deepening bilateral cooperation in all fields is conducive to the basic interests of two peoples, Chen added.

Fradkov expressed his gratitude to the Chinese leadership and government for their support in Russia's fight against terrorism, saying the international community should take concerted action to prevent the spread of terrorism.

Chen is expected to leave Russia on Tuesday after her four-day visit.