Medvedev to visit Beijing next week
October 16, 2013, 9:29 am

Medvedev will attend the 18th meeting between Chinese and Russian heads of government [AP]

Medvedev will attend the 18th meeting between Chinese and Russian heads of government on October 22.

The talks are expected to centre on trade issues, including expansion of inter-state investment cooperation, implementation of large-scale energy projects and strengthening industrial-production cooperation.

A number of key bilateral deals will be signed during Medvedev’s visit.

The meeting will also touch upon the issues of cultural cooperation between the two countries, with the prime ministers assessing the results of 2012-2013 Russia-China and China-Russia Tourism Years, as well as preparations for the 2014-2015 Years of Youth Exchange in Russia and China.

The two nations on Tuesday pledged to expand energy cooperation in a number of energy sectors during the 10th China-Russia energy cooperation committee in Beijing, co-chaired by Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich.

Russia and China signed a $270 billion oil deal in June this year which is likely to make Moscow China’s biggest energy supplier.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said in Bali last week that China and Russia would work together to maintain security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Today, given that the Asia-Pacific region’s growing role in global politics and the global economy, the Chinese side is interested in seeing Russia continue to be present in the region, and also play a significant role in the development of this region,” said President Xi.

Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin witnessed the signing of 30 agreements during the Chinese leader’s visit to Moscow earlier this year.

Daria Chernyshova