China vows to continue energy cooperation with Russia

    BEIJING, April 27 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said here Thursday that China and Russia will continue cooperation in energy "in the long run".

    Qin Gang said China and Russia were good neighbors and strategic partners in the energy sector, and cooperation was mutually beneficial.

    "The leaders of the two countries have reached an important consensus on the issue, which is reaffirmed in the joint statement released during Russian President Vladimir Putin's China visit in March," Qin said.

    China seeks responsible energy cooperation

    Qin Gang said China has been seeking energy cooperation with other countries in a responsible way.

    "China is a responsible country and China's energy cooperation with other countries has helped improve their standards of living," Qin said when asked to comment on criticism that China rates oil above human rights in seeking energy cooperation.

    He said China encouraged peace, cooperation and development on the international stage and its cooperation with other countries was based on the principle of mutual benefit.

    "China will never follow the same disastrous road of the western colonists who bloodily plundered and violated human rights," Qin said.

    Qin said China had played a positive role in promoting stability and peace in the Sudan.

    "In addition to economic cooperation, China helps local people improve their lives and develop their economy. China also faithfully carries out U.N. resolutions and dispatched peacekeeping forces to Sudan."

    China urges ojective IAEA study of Iran nuclear program

    The Chinese government is hoping for an objective and comprehensive report by Mohamed El Baradei, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on the Iran nuclear issue, spokesman Qin Gang said.

    Qin said the issue was at a critical point, and the Chinese government called for international efforts, including help from the UN Security Council, to strengthen the authority and effectiveness of the IAEA, and to resolve the issue through negotiation.

    A diplomatic resolution was in the interests of all parties, and was conducive to international and regional peace and stability, Qin said.

    He said the Chinese government hoped all sides could maintain patience and be flexible so as to avoid taking any action that could complicate the situation.

    The Security Council unanimously adopted a presidential statement on March 29, calling on Iran to suspend all uranium enrichment-related activities and asked El Baradei to report on the progress of Iranian compliance within 30 days.

    China condemns bomb attack in Sri Lanka

    The Chinese government has condemned the bomb attack that killed nine people in Sri Lanka.

    "China condemns all forms of violence," Qin Gang said.

    The Chinese government hoped Sri Lanka could realize national peace and stability soon, Qin said.

    A suicide bomb attack aimed at Army Commander Sarath Fonseka killed nine people in the capital Colombo on Tuesday afternoon, including the woman bomber, and injured Fonseka and 26 others.

    Sri Lankan police said the bomber was believed to be a member of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

    Qin said China had been watching developments in Sri Lanka and supporting its government's efforts to promote national stability,reconciliation of ethnic groups and economic growth.

    China hopes Nepal can achieve peace, development

    Qin Gang said the Chinese government hopes Nepal can attain quickly national conciliation and achieve peace, stability and development.

    Qin said China, as Nepal's friend and neighbour, was willing towork with the Nepalese authorities to promote China-Nepal friendship and cooperation.

    Singaporean Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew to visit China

    At the invitation of the Chinese government, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore will visit China from May 10 to 17, Qin announced.

    Tunisian FM to visit China

    Foreign Minister Abdelwaheb Abdallah of the Republic of Tunisia will pay an official visit to China from May 9 to 13, Qin announced.

    The Tunisian Foreign Minister was invited by his Chinese counterpart Li Zhaoxing, Qin said. Enditem