Chinese, Russian officials hold energy co-op talks

BEIJING - Chinese Vice-Premier Wang Qishan on Friday held talks on energy cooperation with his Russian counterpart Arkady Dvorkovich ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin's upcoming Beijing visit.

Energy cooperation is an important part of the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation between China and Russia, Wang said at the start of the talks, adding that the leaders of the two countries attach great importance to the cooperation.

According to Wang, Friday's talks will focus on expanding cooperation on natural gas, petroleum and nuclear power to make preparations for the meeting between Chinese President Hu Jintao and the Russian president.

Putin is expected to visit China to attend a Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit scheduled for June 6-7 in Beijing.

Echoing Wang on the importance of energy cooperation, Deputy Prime Minister Dvorkovich said Russia and China are implementing the agreements reached by the two sides to benefit the two nations.