China-Russia ties at best time in history , says Xi

Beijing July 3 (IANS) Chinese President Xi Jinping touted the relationship between China and Russia at best time in history saying the two nations are each other s most trustworthy strategic partners.

Xi made the remarks in an interview with the Russian media ahead of his July 3-4 visit to Moscow where he will meet President Vladimir Putin Xinhua news agency reported.

The two countries have built high-level political and strategic trust the Chinese President said noting that both countries have completely resolved their border issues turning the 4 300-km boundary line into a bond of friendship.

China and Russia have also established healthy mechanisms both for high-level exchanges and for cooperation in various fields Xi said.

President (Vladimir) Putin and I have built good working relations and a close personal friendship Xi said.

As for bilateral cooperation Xi said that China-Russia cooperation in various fields including energy trade investment high technology finance infrastructure and agriculture had been growing rapidly since he and Putin reached a consensus on aligning the Belt and Road Initiative with the Eurasian Economic Union.

He added that joint cross-border infrastructure projects such as the building of an international transport corridor and the North Polar sea-route would help promote interconnectivity to inject new vigour into the cooperation.

According to a Kremlin statement the two leaders will ink a number of bilateral agreements following the talks.

The Chinese President also said that the Syrian crisis can only have a political solution.

China s position on the Syrian issue has been consistent said Xi. Syria s sovereignty and territorial integrity should be protected and respected and its future decided by its own people.

--IANS
soni/mr