Top Chinese, Russian legislators vow to strengthen bilateral ties

VLADIVOSTOK, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo and senior Russian parliamentarian Valentina Matvienko pledged to strengthen bilateral ties during a meeting on Monday.

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, met Matvienko, chairperson of Russia's Federation Council, or upper house of parliament, during the 21st annual meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) in the Russian Far Eastern city of Vladivostok.

To forge the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination is a "strategic decision" made by the leaders of the two countries, Wu said.

The bilateral ties, featuring equality and trust, mutual support and common prosperity with long-standing friendship, are in accordance with the fundamental interests of the two countries and the developing trend of the times, he said.

Wu added that the current partnership is stable and mature with a high level of strategic coordination and rich connotation.

The new Chinese leadership attaches great importance to China-Russia relations and has made it a priority of China's diplomacy, he said, adding that his country is willing to deepen the pragmatic cooperation in various fields.

China-Russia relations will develop in the direction of strategic coordination, mutual benefit, win-win outcomes and good-neighborly friendship, Wu said.

As a crucial part of bilateral ties, frequent exchanges and efficient cooperation between China's National People's Congress and Russia's Federation Council and State Duma have promoted the two countries' strategic partnership, the top Chinese legislator said.

The two countries should further enhance the regular exchange mechanism of legislative bodies, strengthen pragmatic cooperation, deepen parliamentary relations, and add new content to China-Russia ties, Wu said.

Matvienko praised the two countries' strategic partnership, which she said has been facilitating their development and helping safeguard international and regional peace, stability and prosperity.

The comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination has been embodied in every aspect of bilateral ties, she added.

Matvienko said Russia, which is vigorously developing its Far East region, welcomes China's participation.

Enterprises and local governments from both sides should enhance mutually beneficial cooperation in such fields as high-tech, infrastructure construction, energy and resources, and enlarge mutual investment, she said, adding that Russia is willing to create a favorable environment for investors.

Meanwhile, the Russian Federation Council is ready to strengthen friendly cooperation with the National People's Congress of China and push forward the all-round development of China-Russia relations, Matvienko said.

The Russian government and parliament spoke highly of Wu's outstanding contribution to boosting bilateral ties, especially relations between the two legislative bodies, she said.