Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji noted today that the establishment and expansion of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination is in the interest of both countries, and will have an impact on maintaining global strategic stability and promoting world peace and development.

Zhu made these remarks during his meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Ilya Klebanov here at the Great Hall of the People.

He asked Klebanov to convey his greetings and regards to Russian Acting President and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, saying Klebanov's visit demonstrates Putin's wish to develop ties with China.

Zhu paid a visit to Russia in February last year for the fourth regular meeting between the prime ministers of China and Russia, during which both sides reached consensus on a wide range of issues, including the expansion of bilateral cooperation in economic, trade and high-tech areas. Zhu said he considers that "progress has been made" by both sides to "implement those signed

agreements."

"China agrees to develop all-round cooperation with Russia and hopes to further this cooperation through concerted efforts and in line with mutual compromise and mutual understanding," the Chinese premier said.

He also extended his gratitude for Russian's support of China's principled stance on the Taiwan issue, and reaffirmed that China will also give its unswerving support to the efforts made by Russia to safeguard its own national unity.

Klebanov conveyed Putin's greetings to Zhu, and said that Putin has time and again expressed the thought that Russia advocates the creation of a multi-polar world. He said the acting president firmly believes that Russia should protect its own national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

On Russia-China ties, Klebanov said that the development of the ties fully comply with the fundamental interests of the two countries, and Russian is willing to enhance cooperation with China in political, economic, global and other affairs.

The heads of state of China and Russia will hold a summit meeting this year, and the prime ministers of the two countries will hold their fifth regular meeting. Klebanov said that Russia is already preparing for the meetings. "We should take action to consolidate the basis of our bilateral relationship," he said.

Prior to today's meeting, Chinese State Councillor Wu Yi and Klebanov signed the summary of their talks held yesterday, and relevant departments of the two nations also exchanged letters on

the supply of nuclear fuel from Russia to China's Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant.