Relations between Russia and China have great potential and broad prospects for development, a leading Russian expert of political science said on Wednesday.

"Russia will re-emerge on the world stage with a new look, which will have positive influence on the development of Russian-Chinese ties that are already at their best in history," Viacheslav Nikonov told Xinhua in an exclusive interview.

Nikonov, president of the Policy Foundation, attributed the close cooperation between Russia and China in the energy sector and similar stances on nearly all political issues, to the growth of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, of which both China and Russia are members.

Russia and China take their own independent stand on world affairs and play as major forces in a multipolar world, Nikonov said.

The rise of the two nations will pose no threat to each other's interests, he said, adding it will instead promote their strategic partnership of coordination and interaction, protect their interests and safeguard stability in Asia and the larger world.

Speaking on Russia's political structure, which is due to be changed after the presidential election in March, Nikonov said it is expected to be dominated by incumbent President Vladimir Putin, who has agreed to take the post of prime minister after stepping down, and his possible successor Dmitry Medvedev.

"Such a structure, which will be unprecedented in Russian history, will bring about continued economic growth, maintain policy continuity and help Russia grow into a greater world power," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency January 24, 2008)