MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Bilateral relations between Russia and China are mature and changes in international relations globally do not have a negative impact on these ties, China's Ambassador to Russia Li Hui told Sputnik in an interview.
"The relations between China and Russia are not affected by any changes in the international situation. They are mature and stable. It is a classic example of relations between modern states," Li said, adding that 20 years of strategic partnership between the two nations had contributed to the interests of both Moscow and Beijing and to the peace and stability both in the region and in the world.
The diplomat added that he was confident that in 2017 the ties between Moscow and China would receive an additional impetus in the light of the achievements reached in 2016.
"In 2016, China and Russia have moved further toward strengthening of strategic mutual trust, deepening of business cooperation, reinforcing of well-established friendly relations… I am certain that because of joint efforts of the two countries, Chinese-Russian relations in 2017 will gain further momentum and will achieve success," Li added.
Currently Russia and China are actively cooperating in a multitude of fields, most notably on energy, infrastructure, finance and defense.
China-Russia Media Exchange Years Contribute to Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The decision of both Moscow and Beijing to hold China-Russia Media Exchange Years in 2016 and 2017 has contributed to the strengthening of relations between the two nations, China's Ambassador to Russia told Sputnik.
"China and Russia started to hold China-Russia Media Exchange Years in 2016 and 2017. It has been a strategic decision of the two countries' top officials taking into consideration the development of relations between China and Russia, and has directed an exchange and cooperation between the two countries toward an enhancement," Li said.
On December 17, 2015, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang attended the opening ceremony of the China-Russia Media Exchange Years. According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the cross-years are aimed at strengthening partnership and understanding "between the journalism communities and the people" of the two nations.
Russia, China Successfully Cooperating on Integrating EAEU, Silk Road Projects
Russia and China have been successful in cooperating on integrating the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Silk Road projects, as announced by the two countries’ leaders last year, Li Hui told Sputnik.
“Thanks to the joint efforts of Russia and China, cooperation on pairing the construction of the Silk Road and the EAEU has already brought first results. First of all, in the energy field, which is a key area in collaboration on pairing the projects. Construction of the eastern Sino-Russian gas pipeline is progressing well,” Li said.
The Eurasian Economic Union includes Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Armenia.
Moscow and Beijing signed an agreement in May 2015 on integrating the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and China's Silk Road economic project.
