Senior Russian and Chinese officials pledged in Moscow Thursday to strengthen cooperation in the security field and intensify consultation and coordination efforts in the world affairs.  

"A more tangible cooperation with China in fighting international terrorism and drug trafficking, and in the border-visa and migration policy would contribute to the development of positive trends" in Central Asia, Secretary of Russian Security Council Igor Ivanov stated during talks with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

Expressing Russia's satisfaction with the bilateral ties, Ivanov confirmed that developing strategic partnership with China remained one of the main priorities in Russia's foreign policy.

Li hails the sustained development of the Sino-Russian strategic partnership of cooperation backed by the leadership of the two giant neighbors, vowing to continue working with Russia for successful mutual visits by the two heads of states scheduled this year.

The Chinese minister conveyed his gratitude to Russia's support to China on the Taiwan and human rights issues.

During the meeting in the Kremlin, the two officials also exchanged views on the reform of the United Nations, the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsular and the situation in Iraq.

Li, who arrived here on Wednesday for a three-day visit, has held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on bilateral ties.

(Xinhua News Agency April 23, 2004)