Russian President Dmitry Medvedev kicked off today his two-day visit to China. As China is the first non-Commonwealth of Independent States member country on Medvedev's first tour abroad since he was sworn in on May 7, the visit marks the importance the two countries have attached to a strategic partnership of cooperation; and maps out a blueprint for bilateral ties in the future.
During Vladimir Putin's presidency, Medvedev's predecessor, Chinese-Russian relations were prompted to a "historic high." Both sides inked the Good-Neighborly Friendship and Cooperation Treaty in 2001. In addition, the legacy of border delimitation between the two countries was completed and successfully settled after 40 years of joint efforts. As a key part of Sino-Russian strategic relations, the two states hosted theme years during to boost social exchanges: the Year of Russia in China in 2006 and the Year of China in Russia in 2007.
The two countries have done much to enhance the material and social foundations of bilateral ties, enabling them to develop steadily and deeply within a mature political framework. The China-Russia strategic partnership of cooperation entered its second decade in 2007. This year marks the completion of the Sino-Russian Good-Neighborly Friendship and Cooperation Treaty's first phase. Medvedev's timely visit enables the two state leaders to plan for future development and hold in-depth discussion on future cooperation.
The steady development of bilateral ties is beneficial to both sides, as the consolidated relations have triggered a surge in bilateral trade volume: from 10.67 billion U.S dollars in 2000 to 48.17 billion dollars last year. The fast-growing trade meets the demand in both countries for speedy economic growth; and shows that economic cooperation between the two countries is becoming increasingly substantial and proving beneficial for both peoples.
Meanwhile, China and Russia, both with rising economies, have focused on expanding cooperation in a global context. As permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia have played vital roles in seeking solutions to the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula and Iran's nuclear program. They are both members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. They have actively cooperated in maintaining regional peace and security, fighting the "three evil forces" of terrorism, extremism and separatism; cracking down on drugs and arms trafficking; and boosting regional economic cooperation.
This past month also bears testimony to the time-honored China-Russian friendship. On April 5, the Beijing Olympic flame received a warm and grandiose welcome at the kick-off of its Russia leg in St. Petersburg. On April 18, Russia's newly elected State Duma, or Parliament, established a Russian-Chinese Friendship Panel of MPs, with more than a quarter of Duma MPs involved in and representing all Duma political parties. When he learned of the May 12 earthquake in southwest China that has claimed more than 51,000 lives, Medvedev sent a letter of condolence the same day to President Hu Jintao, accompanied by four batches of aid materials and rescue teams. Russia's prompt reaction and generous assistance showed not only its concern and humanitarian spirit; but also reflected the understanding and friendship between the two peoples.
Currently, the Sino-Russian strategic partnership of cooperation is progressing into a new era at a historic starting point. Not only does pushing forward strategic cooperation comply with the interests of the two peoples; but also showcases the invaluable advantages of bilateral ties. Geopolitically speaking, the two are neighboring giants who aim to enhance national strength and beef up the economy; and both are highly complementary in capital, technology, market and resources. In terms of development mode and government management, both sides could reach some consensus both in theory and in practice. "Russia regards China as one of its foremost partners in its foreign policy," Medvedev said, on the eve of his debut visit to China.
China and Russia share the same security concerns and have similar strategic security environments. Only when both sides further enhance the partnership, consolidate their friendship, and support each other can they safeguard their own interests; and play active roles in defending international peace as well as promoting a harmonious world. We are convinced that Medvedev's visit will bring bilateral ties to a new height; and the Sino-Russian strategic partnership of cooperation will be fruitful in its second phase.
By People's Daily Online
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