China-Russia relations enjoy broad prospects: Chinese ambassador

MOSCOW, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Further development of China-Russia relations is in the interests of the two peoples and of the times, Chinese Ambassador to Russia Li Hui said in two articles published ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin's upcoming visit to China.

The two giant neighbors would enjoy broader prospects in their relations, the ambassador said.

According to Li, Putin's state visit to China on June 5-7 is of great significance to the development of China-Russia relations and of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in the next decade.

During the visit, Chinese and Russian leaders will exchange views on bilateral ties as well as global and regional issues of common concerns, Li said, adding the two sides are also expected to sign a joint communique and a number of agreements on cooperation.

"As each other's largest neighbor and most important strategic cooperation partner, China and Russia are experiencing unprecedented good relations. Their relations have hit an all-time high," Li said.

Cooperation between the two countries not only boost their development respectively, but also facilitate global and regional peace and stability, he said.

With the deepening of mutual trust, the two sides both set the development of relations with another as one of their priorities, Li added.

The ambassador noted tangible bilateral cooperation has benefited the two peoples.

"In 2011, bilateral trade volume reached 80 billion U.S. dollars, a record high showing a 42.7-percent year-on-year rise," Li said.

The countries have expanded their cooperation in fields like energy, high-tech, finance and regional cooperation, optimize bilateral trade structure and increase investments, he said.