Senior Chinese and Russian officials on Tuesday voiced their satisfaction with the development of a strategic partnership between the two neighbors.

 

State Councilor Hua Jianmin spoke highly of the development of the China-Russia strategic partnership of cooperation.

 

"The two countries have maintained frequent high-level visits and deepening political trust," Hua told visiting Russian Presidential Chief of Staff Sergei Sobyanin.

 

The cooperation in trade and culture had also been reinforced, he said.

 

The activities of "The Year of Russia in China" and "The Year of China in Russia" had further fleshed out the strategic cooperation, Hua said.

 

"As both countries face opportunities for rapid economic development, China would like to share experiences with Russia," he said.

 

Sobyanin said Russia was "satisfied with the bilateral ties and fruitful cooperation."

 

He said the two countries should further tap the potential for cooperation so as to benefit the two peoples.

 

Invited by the Chinese government, Sobyanin arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for his first China visit.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 27, 2006)