China and Russia yesterday signed four agreements on nuclear energy collaboration.
A joint communique signed by visiting Premier Wen Jiabao and his Russian counterpart Viktor Zubkov said increased cooperation on nuclear energy is a priority in the two countries’ relationship.
The two countries will work on the second phase of the Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant in Jiangsu and uranium enrichment factories, and take measures for peaceful use of nuclear energy.
During the 12th regular meeting between the two prime ministers, they agreed to complete the construction of a Sino-Russian oil pipeline by the end of next year. They also said they will speed up negotiations on a long-term oil supply deal.
The two sides furthermore reiterated that energy cooperation is a key component of the Sino-Russian strategic partnership, and said they will collaborate in the oil, gas and electricity sectors.
Reviewing the decade-old Sino-Russian strategic partnership, Wen said bilateral ties have reached an unprecedented level.
He said the two countries will expand investment and enhance cooperation in the border areas. They will also work together in the fields of space flight, civil aviation, information technology, and banking.
Describing the talks as frank, substantive and friendly, Zubkov said the bilateral strategic cooperation has strengthened significantly in recent years through frequent high-level exchanges.
Official figures show that two-way trade is expected to top $40 billion by the end of the year. Zubkov said he believes the figure would jump to $80 billion in three years, a goal set by the top leaders of the two countries.
During his two-day official visit, Wen also attended the closing ceremony of the "Year of China" in Russia, an event aimed at boosting trade and cultural interaction.
Wen and Zubkov also took part in the opening ceremony of a Sino-Russian business forum yesterday, and the premier then flew back to Beijing late last night.
Questions:
1. The two prime ministers agreed to complete what project by the end of next year?
2. Two-way trade is expected to be greater than what figure next year?
3. Zubkov used three adjectives to describe the talks. What were they?
Answers:
1. Sino-Russian oil pipeline.
2. $40 billion.
3. Frank, substantive and friendly.
（英语点津 Linda 编辑）
About the broadcaster:
Jonathan Stewart is a media and journalism expert from the United States with four years of experience as a writer and instructor. He accepted a foreign expert position with chinadaily.com.cn in June 2007 following the completion of his Master of Arts degree in International Relations and Comparative Politics.
