Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday spoke highly of the Sino-Russian strategic partnership of cooperation, vowing to make joint efforts to push forward development of bilateral relations.  

Sino-Russian friendly cooperation, built on a solid fundament, boasts "huge potential and excellent prospects," Li said during his talks with Lavrov.

China is ready to work with Russia in fulfilling the consensus reached by the two heads of state, maintaining the high-level communications and strengthening strategic partnership in all fields, helping to enhance political mutual trust and protect the common interests of the two countries, according to the Chinese minister.

Li also stressed the importance of broadening non-governmental exchanges between the two countries in developing the bilateral relations.

He appreciated Russia's adherence to the one-China policy, and its support to China's stance in the latest session of the UN Human Rights Commission.

On his part, Lavrov said that Russia values Russian-Chinese strategic partnership of cooperation and is willing to realize the agreements reached by the two heads of state.

Russia will continue to adhere to the one-China policy and is against the "independence of Taiwan," Lavrov vowed.

He also expressed Russia's readiness to enrich the Russia-China cooperation in various areas so as to push the bilateral ties to anew level.

The two ministers exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interests. They unanimously agreed to enhance the two countries' consultations and cooperation within the framework of the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Li arrived in Moscow on Wednesday for a three-day visit. He is to attend the foreign ministers' regular meeting of the SCO on Friday.

(Xinhua News Agency April 22, 2004)