The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) jointly organized Monday in Beijing a social scientific forum as part of the Year of Russia in China.

CASS vice president Leng Rong said at the opening of the forum that both China and Russia were exploring their individual modes of development.

"Expansion of academic exchanges and cooperation in social sciences between the two countries will benefit mutual understanding of the two peoples," he said.

The two-day forum is divided in two parts: history and Sino-Russian relations; and globalization and the Sino-Russian economic ties.

"Discussion of the issues of our common interest will not only push forward our political and economic friendship, but also facilitate bilateral trade and investment," Leng said.

"Both the CASS and the RAS should enhance their networking and collaborative research," he said.

The forum has attracted more than 200 prominent Chinese and Russian social scientists.

(Xinhua News Agency June 20, 2006)