BEIJING, March 20 (Xinhua) -- An article carried by China Daily highlighted here Monday that the China-Russia strategic partnership is glowing with optimism, standing at an all-time high.

    The newspaper made the remark upon Russian President Vladimir Putin's China visit starting on Tuesday.

    "A concrete demonstration of the strategic partnership will be several agreements the leaders will ink in the next two days, and they are expected to detail cooperation on energy, trade, Shanghai Cooperation Organization and issues concerning Central Asia and other parts of the world," the article predicted.

    Putin announced in January that the proposal on the pipeline to send oil from Siberia to China will be finalized in April, and construction is due to begin in the summer.

    "Such a statement indicates that the pipeline issue will be one of the priority topics for President Hu Jintao and Putin. Energy will dominate trade this year, and for many years to come," the article said. Energy cooperation is based on mutual needs and benefits both sides.

    "Bilateral relations are built on solid foundations," the article noted, adding that Putin's China visit will maintain the healthy development of bilateral relations and these ties have been moving further into trade, politics and non-governmental fields.

    The article also pointed out that a good working and personal relationship between the two leaders facilitates their exchange ofviews on issues of utmost importance, adding that Putin's China visit will mean new additions to the strategic cooperation partnership.

    In addition, the two countries have decided to hold the Year of Russia in China this year and the Year of China in Russia in 2007,which will further the pragmatic cooperation in every area and make new breakthroughs in key areas such as economy, trade, science and technology, the article said.

    "The upcoming events in the two years will further accelerate Sino-Russian ties and a stable, healthy China-Russia relationship not only safeguards the national interests of both countries but also contributes to global peace, stability and development," the article stresses. Enditem