Putin wants high-speed rail system
- Source: Global Times
- [04:04 October 12 2009]
- Comments
Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) meets with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in Moscow, capital of Russia, June 17, 2009. (Xinhua file photo)
By Jiao Dongjian in Moscow and Liang Chen in Beijing
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin kicks off a three-day visit to China Monday in hopes of signing $5.5 billion worth of business deals in energy, transport and communications sectors, and to discuss options on combating terrorism and separatism.
Hailing Sino-Russian ties as the best since the collapse of China-Soviet Union relations in the 1960s, experts said energy cooperation will be highest on Putin's agenda.
According to a draft list obtained by Reuters, a total of 34 deals valued at more than $5.5 billion will be signed during the visit.
They range from a $500 million loan agreement between China's Development Bank and its Russian equivalent, VEB, to joint projects in transport, infrastructure, construction and mineral extraction.
Putin will attend the 14th bilateral prime ministers' regular meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Premier Wen Jiabao.
Putin, who stepped down as president last year but remains Russia's most influential figure, visited China for the first time in July 2000 after being officially sworn into office.
