Putin's China tour fruitful

    Russian President Putin's China visit was "fruitful", and can further strengthen the Sino-Russian strategic partnership of cooperation, said Qin.

    "During Putin's two-day state visit, China and Russia signed 22 agreements covering politics, diplomacy, energy, investment, finance and communications," Qin said.

    Qin noted that the two sides also put forward some new ideas on bilateral cooperation, such as pledging to coordinate economic strategies and actively guiding and supporting local companies of the two countries to seek new opportunities for cooperation in each other's economic and regional development strategies.

    Qin said that Putin's visit to China was significant as this year marked the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia strategic partnership of cooperation and the fifth anniversary of the Sino-Russian treaty of friendship and cooperation.

    During his visit, Putin held talks and exchanged views with his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao on bilateral relations and major international and regional issues of common concern.

    The two presidents also signed China-Russia joint statement, attended the opening ceremony of the Year of Russia in China and addressed the high-level China-Russia economic forum. Putin also held meetings with top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo and Premier Wen Jiabao.

    Qin added that during Putin's visit, the two presidents initiated a series of activities for the Year of Russia in China, which is a pioneering project in the history of the two sides and has great significance in improving mutual understanding and promoting cooperation.

    Govt to improve legal system to solve refugee problems

    China will continue to improve its legal system, to further contribute to the resolutions of refugee problems, said Qin.

    UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres just finished his five-day visit to China, in which he met with State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan and officials from the Foreign Ministry, Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Public Security.

    The two sides increased understanding through these meetings and consultations, and reached consensus on further carrying out cooperation on refugee affairs, said Qin, adding the visit was "successful".

    Qin said China values its cooperation with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

    China has joined the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, and has relocated 300,000 Indo-Chinese refugees, which is the largest action ever done in the UN history. China continues to make an active contribution to the resolution of refugees problems, Qin said.

    Bruneian princess to visit China

    Bruneian Princess Hajah Masna will pay a visit to China from April 3 to 9 at the invitation of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Qin announced.

    Masna visits China in the capacity of Ambassador-at-Large of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Brunei Darussalam. Enditem