Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Lima, Peru, Nov. 19, 2016. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

MOSCOW, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Xinhua recently interviewed Sergey Lukonin, Head of the Sector of Chinese Economy and Politics, Center for Asian Pacific Studies, Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations.

Q1: In your view, how does Russia see the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative?

A: I think Russia supports this initiative. Russia and China signed a joint declaration on the connection of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) in May 2015. Leaders of both countries advocate this partnership.

Q2: Where does the vitality of the Belt and Road Initiative come from?

A: Firstly, countries along the Belt and Road have long been troubled by poor infrastructure and a lack of investment. Secondly, these countries can use Chinese fund to upgrade their infrastructure and boost economic growth.

Q3: How do you see the prospect of the connection between the Belt and Road Initiative and the EEU?

A: I see a bright future. Cooperation is now underway, including the Yamal LNG project partly financed by the Silk Road Fund. At the same time, some projects are being implemented slowly, but I think obstacles will be removed in the long run. The connection will bear fruit in five to 10 years.

Q4: In which areas will we see first breakthroughs? And which sectors will become a powerhouse for Russia-China cooperation?

A: There are already breakthroughs in some areas, such as the energy sector. Russia is supplying oil and gas to China. In the future, the two countries are likely to cooperate in more areas, including transport infrastructure. In addition, I hope Russia and China can jointly establish a production chain, which can be finally expanded to a global one with more added value.

Q5: In one sentence, what do you want to say about the Belt and Road Initiative?

A: In addition to economic cooperation, we should strengthen partnerships at cultural, people-to-people and scientific research levels.