Russia, China score important gas progress: Putin

SHANGHAI, May 20 -- Visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin said here on Tuesday that "significant progress" had been made over the price in the decade-long natural gas supply talks between Russia and China.

"I am glad to be informed that the two sides have made significant progress in the price negotiation of the east-route of the natural gas project," the president said during official talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Russia wants to reach a deal with China at an early date, he added.

Over the past years, talks have stalled over price.

According to a joint statement signed by Xi and Putin after their talks in Shanghai, the two neighbors will "establish the comprehensive energy cooperation partnership".

In the oil sector, they will deepen "a package of cooperation" and start Russia's gas supply to China as soon as possible," the document said.

It also said that the two sides will enhance cooperation in coal by exploring coal mines and developing a transportation infrastructure in Russia.

The statement said that the two sides will study the construction of new power generation facilities in Russia and increase power export to China.

Putin, who is in China for a state visit, will also attend the fourth Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, which is scheduled to be held in Shanghai on Tuesday and Wednesday.