China's Hu to seek energy deals in Russia
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in Russia on Monday on his third visit as national leader, seeking energy deals but also offering Moscow business opportunities and international cooperation as they expand ties.
"I am certain this visit will give new momentum to the deepening of Russian-Chinese relations and to our practical cooperation in all spheres," Hu said in a statement handed to reporters after his jet touched down in Moscow.
China and Russia are permanent members of the United Nations Security Council who have used their veto power to blunt Western efforts to sanction Iran and other challengers to U.S. policy.
Over the weekend, they both backed a U.N. resolution imposing new sanctions on Iran for continued uranium enrichment, which critics say is aimed at eventually giving Tehran the ability to assemble nuclear weapons.
Iran is sure to be on the agenda when Hu sits down for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, officials said.
But Hu will also be looking to expand trade between the two growing economies, especially oil and gas for energy-thirsty China.
China is the world's number two oil consumer, and Russia the second-largest exporter. But their potential partnership has been stymied by both nations' desire to keep a state grip on energy deals. Previous plans for key oil and gas pipelines have languished after both sides trumpeted initial agreements. Continued...
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Tuesday, March 27, 2007
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