Today’s world requires understanding, not only in the fields of politics and the economy, but also in culture and civilization. The relationship between China and Russia, two big, influential neighbors, affects more than just the two countries. Therefore they must understand each other better and promote cooperation.

In recent years, the leaders of China and Russia have held regular summit meetings to enhance their partnership and exchange ideas on international affairs, to the benefit of both countries.

During Chinese President Hu Jintao’s visit to Russia in July 2005, China and Russia agreed to host the “Year of Russia in China” in 2006 and the “Year of China in Russia” in 2007 in a bid to push for a strategic partnership.

To further promote the partnership, Hu paid a state visit to Russia from March 26-28, which dealt with the two countries’ expectations in the political, economic and cultural fields, as well as their views on international affairs.

Hu and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin pledged to tighten cooperation in a joint statement signed in Moscow, outlining the two countries’ concerted views on some major international issues.

Since the two countries forged a strategic partnership of cooperation 10 years ago, bilateral cooperation in various fields has been developing smoothly, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples, said the joint statement.

The continued strengthening of Sino-Russian cooperation conforms to the major interests of the two countries and is also conducive to safeguarding peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large, and the two sides are ready to work together to continuously deepen their practical cooperation and boost strategic coordination, it said.

Becoming partners

The leaders agreed that both countries, in accordance with the spirit and principles set forth in the Sino-Russian Good-Neighborly Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, should become political partners of mutual trust; economic and trade partners of mutual benefit; partners of scientific cooperation aimed at innovation; harmonious and friendly partners of humanistic cooperation; and partners that help each other in security cooperation. The Russian side reaffirmed its support for the Chinese Government’s stand on the issues of Taiwan and Tibet, the statement said.

The two sides also agreed to further strengthen exchanges between the parliaments of the two countries and continue efforts to improve the legal foundation for bilateral cooperation.

Under the Supplementary Agreement on the Eastern Section of the China-Russia Boundary Line signed on October 14, 2004, demarcation of the boundary has been proceeding smoothly, it said, adding that work will be completed by the end of 2007. The settlement of the border issue between the two countries will contribute to efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and boost cooperation in the border areas, the statement said.

Hu pointed out, “The Sino-Russian strategic partnership of cooperation has entered its second decade, which is a new development stage, and faces important opportunities and broad prospects.”

He also made five proposals to promote bilateral relations.

Hu stressed that the next decade is a crucial period for national construction and development of the two countries, and both sides face the same task of promoting development and harmony in domestic policy and strengthening peace and cooperation in foreign relations.

Putin said the holding of the reciprocal theme years is a correct decision made by the two heads of state, which is of strategic significance and has played a positive role in economic and trade exchanges and cultural contacts between the two countries.