Cooperation with China will remain one of the priorities of Russia in the near future, Igor Rogachyov, former Russian ambassador to China and Federation Council member, said in Moscow yesterday.

 

"In recent years Russian-Chinese cooperation has been developing successfully in all areas, primarily in trade and economy," Rogachyov told Interfax News Agency. "Last year trade turnover between Russia and China exceeded US$29.1 billion, a record high in the history of bilateral relations."

 

A basic agreement signed by China and Russia in 2001 laid the basis for bilateral cooperation, he said.

 

Moreover, work within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) aimed at strengthening mutual confidence, good neighborly relations and cooperation is underway, he added.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 2, 2006)