Chinese president on state visit to Russia

Economic and military cooperation dominates talks between Hu Jintao and Putin

Moscow (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Chinese president Hu Jintao arrived in Moscow today, 1 July, for a four-day state trip in the Russia Federation. The scope of the visit is to strengthen strategic cooperation between the two countries, especially in the energy and military sectors, as well as over the North Korean question.

During the second Russo-Chinese Forum for Investments, held in St Petersburg on 9 and 10 June, the chairman of China's state-owned oil company, Chen Geng, said the flow of petroleum from Siberian oil fields to China will increase to over 15 million in 2006 from more than 10 million tons in 2005.

One key question is extending the Syrian oleo-duct, where Japan's interests also lie. China's ambassador to Moscow, Liu Guchang, has said no agreement will be signed as the two governments are still negotiating.

The issue has diplomatic relevance because the largest Russian oil company Yukos has been completely taken over by the state-owned Rosneft. The main meetings on economic cooperation between Russia and China will take place in the coming days in Shanghai and, especially as regards oil, in Kazakistan, another oil-exporting country within China's sights.

At the heart of talks is also military cooperation. The first joint training exercise is scheduled for next month. This topic highlights another two points on the agenda: the reform of the UN Security Council and the North Korean nuclear crisis.

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