Russian President Dmitry Medvedev speaks
as he is interviewed by Chinese journalists in Moscow, capital of Russia,
May 20, 2008. Medvedev expected that his visit to China scheduled on
Friday and Saturday could fruit rich and constructive results during the
interview by China's Xinhua News Agency, People's Daily and China Central
Television (CCTV). (Xinhua Photo) Photo
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MOSCOW, May 22 (Xinhua) -- China is one of Russia's
most important partners in the world arena, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev
said in a recent interview with major Chinese media in Moscow.
"Russia regards China as one of its foremost partners
in its foreign policy," Medvedev said on the eve of his first visit to China
after taking office on May 7.
The president expressed sincere condolences to the
leaders and people of China over the devastating earthquake that shook the
country's southwestern province of Sichuan on May 12.
"Our thoughts are with you at the moment, and we
believe that China is capable of emerging from the aftermath of the disaster,"
he said.
Medvedev added that Russia, which has already sent
several batches of humanitarian aid as well as rescue and medical teams to
China, is willing to offer more help in the future.
On the Beijing Olympic Games, Medvedev expressed his
belief that China has the capability to successfully organize the grand sports
event, and that Chinese athletes will excel at the games, as will their Russian
friends.
"At least half of Russia will watch the Beijing Games
with enthusiasm. Sports telecasts by Russian media will record the highest
audience rating," he added.
BILATERAL RELATIONS
Sino-Russian relations have strengthened steadily
since the signing of the bilateral Good-neighborly Friendship and Cooperation
Treaty in 2001, Medvedev said, adding that mutual coordination is making
progress in every field.
"The three-year plan inked by the leaders of the two
countries has completed its term. We are now going to make a new plan, which
will further enhance bilateral relations," he said.
Medvedev spoke highly of the theme years -- the Year
of Russia in China in 2006 and the Year of China in Russia in 2007, describing
them as significant events in the history of relations between the two nations.
The grandiose events, involving people from all walks
of life in both countries, bore testimony to not only the high level of
bilateral relations and coordination, but also the good-neighborly friendship
that connects the two peoples, the Russian leader said.
The present task is to gain momentum from the theme
years to facilitate economic and cultural cooperation in the decades to come, he
added.
On his upcoming two-day visit to China starting
Friday, Medvedev said any topic of interest to both sides could be discussed.
"I hope that consultations between me and Chinese
President Hu Jintao, as well as other Chinese leaders, will cover a wide range
of issues," he said. "I am full of expectation for the visit, which will be
substantial and constructive."
ECONOMIC COOPERATION
Consolidated ties have triggered an increase in
bilateral trade volume in recent years, Medvedev said, adding that two-way trade
volume is targeted to reach 60 billion U.S. dollars this year.
Chinese imports from Russia mainly include products
from the energy and technological sectors. The two sides should also emphasize
the optimization of trade structure, apart from increasing trade volume, he
said.
Russia has paid close attention to the development of
the Chinese economy, the demands of which are totally very different from those
10 to 15 years ago, Medvedev pointed out.
In the present scenario, Russia has to strengthen the
competitiveness of its enterprises, and manufacture products of higher standard,
the president said.
"Such cooperation is beneficial for both sides," he
noted.
Medvedev expressed confidence that the 21st century
will be a time for the two countries to cooperate in astronautics, nanometer
technology, shipbuilding, auto manufacturing and other high-tech areas, to boost
the development of their economies.
He said Russia plans to enhance and develop energy
cooperation with China, which is crucial to bilateral trade and economic ties.
Russia exported energy valued at some 500 million
dollars to China in 2001, but the figure surpassed 6.7 billion dollars last
year, Medvedev said.
The two nations have reached a basic agreement on the
East Siberia-Pacific Ocean oil pipeline and its branch to China, said Medvedev,
adding that negotiations between Russia's largest oil company Rosneft Oil and
the China National Petroleum Corporation are nearly complete.
While expressing his willingness to establish new oil
refineries with China, he said natural gas cooperation between Russia and China
is also under discussion.
FRIENDLY FOREIGN POLICY
Medvedev said Russia's foreign policy during his
presidency will be predictable, honest and creditable, while preserving the
interest of the Russian people.
"Russia's foreign policy should be rational,
practical, friendly and open," he said.
"Russia supports all nations and countries to achieve
free, peaceful and democratic development, supports the idea of settling
conflicts within efficient regimes such as the United Nations and existing
international laws, and through talks," he added.
