Chinese and Russian relations score “unprecedented high”

Chinese president Hu Jintao expressed his delight in the way things between China and Russia have been evolving in diplomatic terms, just before an important regional security forum summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, due for June 15th in Shanghai.

On Wednesday, the Jintao administration released an official statement on the Foreign Ministry’s web site, which stated that:” Relations between the two countries have reached unprecedented levels. The volume of bilateral trade has had seven years of extremely high growth and cooperation in the fields of energy and investment has made great progress”.

In an interview with journalists from countries which belong to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Chinese president added that Russia was one of the best and the most important strategic cooperation partners. The organization reunites the two with Central Asian states of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Although they were fierce enemies during the much disputed Cold War, relations between China and Russia have enormously improved during the last few years, since China has become increasingly interested in Russia’ oil, that would help it sustain its booming economic department.

The two countries signed a series of energy agreements, in March, during one of Russian president Vladimir Putin’s official visits to Shanghai. Furthermore, the two share common view points with respect to ensuring stability in Central Asia, the presence of the US troops there, and the controversial Iranian nuclear standoff.

Through the Shanghai Cooperation organization China offers member states 900 million dollars in loans in the shape of a so called preferential buyer’s credit for those members who purchase a great quantity of the Chinese exports.

Hu stated that the fight against terrorism, separatism and extremism will be the main discussion points and goals of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The meeting will also be attended by Afghani president Hamid Karzai, who will take part as a guest. Observer states Mongolia, Pakistan, India and Iran have also received invitations to participate.