MOSCOW, March 9 (Xinhuanet) -- Relations between China and Russia have been enjoying a strong momentum in recent years and have reached an unprecedented high level, Liu Guchang, China's ambassador to Russia, said on Thursday.

    Liu made the remarks ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Beijing this month.

    Speaking to reporters in Moscow, he said the growth of Sino-Russian ties not only safeguards the national interests of both countries but contributes to global peace, stability and development.

    "President Putin's visit to China, during which he will, together with (Chinese) President Hu Jintao, attend the opening ceremony of the Year of Russia, is the most significant event in bilateral ties this year," Liu said

    Liu added that the two cultural events of the Year of China and the Year of Russia will serve as a strong boost to the strategic partnership between the two countries.

    The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that Putin would pay a state visit to China on March 21-22.

    The ambassador said the bilateral economic and trade ties are "moving on a fast track," saying the forms of cooperation are diversifying and areas expanding.

    Liu noted progress in joint work in the oil and gas sector. Russian oil shipments via railway to China have been increasing steadily and Russia's environmental authorities have cleared the planned oil pipeline that will reach China, he said.

    "Companies from both countries have reached a preliminary agreement on Russia's supplying natural gas to China," Liu said, adding that bilateral energy cooperation is based on mutual needs and benefits both sides.

    China appreciates Russia's support for its reunification cause and Russia's opposition to "Taiwan independence" in any form, he added.

    The Russian Foreign Ministry has issued two important statements denouncing Chen's recent moves to cease the functioning of the "National Unification Council" and the application of its guidelines, Liu said. Enditem