Russian Deputy Prime Minister IgorSechin will visit China on July 26 and 27 to discuss the launch of an energy resources negotiation mechanism, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao announced on Thursday at a regular press conference.

"The significant mechanism will map out energy resources cooperation between China and Russia and is valued by the leaders of both countries," Liu said.

He said the launch of such a mechanism was an important arrangement according to the consensus by the leaders of the two countries and was also a component in Sino-Russian strategic and cooperative partnership.

Sechin will visit at the invitation of Vice Premier Wang Qishan, and they will co-chair the energy resources negotiation.

China was looking forward to Sechin's visit and the talks initiating the mechanism, said the spokesman.

(Xinhua News Agency July 25, 2008)