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Premier: China supports Russia's WTO bid
By Meng Yan (China Daily)
Updated: 2004-09-25 00:41
China is willing to work with Russia to further promote their strategic
partnership, visiting Premier Wen Jiabao told a representative group of the
Russian people on Friday.
Russian President
Vladimir Putin (R) welcomes Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao in Moscow
Kremlin, September 24, 2004. Wen arrived in Russian capital on Thursday
for an official visit. [AFP] | In a speech
delivered to nearly 300 Russians from all walks of life, Wen said their two
countries should proceed from a strategic perspective when dealing with
bilateral relations.
At the start of his speech, Wen condemned the recent terrorist atrocities in
Russia, in particular the horrific Beslan school siege.
Quoting the maxim that a trouble shared is a trouble halved, Wen expressed
his condolences for the innocent victims and his deep sympathy to their families
and all the Russian people.
"We believe that under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin and the
Russian Government, the Russian people will overcome the current difficulties,
maintain national stability and security and make further progress in economic
and social development," he said.
"Whatsoever happens on the world arena, we should insist on mutual respect
and trust, treat each other equally and maintain a good neighbourly friendship,"
Wen said.
In addition to enhancing political mutual trust, the premier said Russia and
China should expand economic co-operation, promote cultural exchanges and
strengthen international strategic accord.
Two-way trade volume grew from US$8 billion in 2000 to US$15.8 billion last
year. It is expected to reach US$20 billion this year, achieving the goal set by
leaders of the two countries for next year.
"We should strive to bring the trade volume to US$60 to US$80 billion by
2010," Wen said. Constantly expanding economic co-operation has become the
cornerstone and major driving force of bilateral ties.
Chinese Prime
Minister Wen Jiabao (R) attends the wreath laying ceremony at the Unknown
Soldier Tomb near the Kremlin in Moscow, September 24,
2004.[Reuters] |
Wen proposed the two
countries improve their trade structure with specific emphasis on the trade
expansion of new and high technology products, engineering and electronic
products.
He said both should explore new areas and means of co-operation, giving
priority to collaboration in space exploration, communications, energy, nuclear
energy, electricity and high technology.
Wen said China has firmly supported Russia's bid to enter the WTO.
The premier said China encourages its enterprises to invest in Russia and
welcomes Russian companies to explore the Chinese market, in particular the
development of China's vast western region and the revitalization of its old
industrial base in the northeast.
Wen suggested that China and Russia further promote co-operation and
exchanges in the fields of culture, education, science and technology, health
and sports, expand people-to-people contact and deepen the traditional
friendship between the two peoples.
This year marks the 55th anniversary of Sino-Russian diplomatic ties, and the
top leaders of the two countries agreed to mark it as a year of friendship
between the youth of their nations.
A Chinese delegation of roughly 100 young people are currently visiting
Russia and the corresponding Russian delegation will visit China next month.
"The friendship and solidarity between the youth of the two countries
represents our friendship in the future," remarked Wen.
Turning to international strategic co-ordination, an important part of
Sino-Russian strategic partnership, Wen said the two sides should further
enhance consultation, communication and work more closely to promote the
multi-polarization of the world and the democratization of international
relations and establish a just, and reasonable, new international political and
economic order.
He said China and Russia should also strengthen co-operation to fight
terrorism, separatism and extremism with the goal of maintaining regional and
world peace and stability.
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