Russia's relations with Asian nations including China have achieved substantial results this year, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday.

Russia and China signed an agreement on their eastern border in June, which capped the resolution of their border issues, and the joint military exercise in August showcased their capabilities in countering international terrorist threats, Lavrov said in an article posted on the Foreign Ministry's website: "Foreign Political Results 2005: Thoughts and Conclusions."

Russia's strategic partnership with India also made headway this year, and the consultation mechanism of the foreign ministers of Russia, China and India has been strengthened, Lavrov said.

The Asia-Pacific region is a priority area in Russia's foreign policy, he said, adding that his country is prepared to actively participate in regional affairs.

On the role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Lavrov said the Astana summit in July brought cooperation within the group to a new level.

Leaders of the SCO, which groups China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, pledged to strengthen their economic and security cooperation at the summit.

The declaration issued at the summit is expected to strengthen consultation and coordination among member states in international affairs and boost their economic and social links, Lavrov said.

Source: Xinhua