The development of China and Russia and their becoming strong are inevitable, and the Sino- Russian friendly cooperation accords with the fundamental interests of the two peoples.

Li Ruihuan, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remarks during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Who is on his first state visit to China in July 2000.

It is the common desire and in the fundamental interests of the people of China and Russia for the two giant neighbors to reinforce their friendly and cooperative relations, Li said.

And it's just a matter of time that both China and Russia will become strong, and no force can block their development, Li stated.

"The development of China and Russia, their becoming strong, the Sino-Russian friendly cooperation as well as their upholding of justice together with the people the world over will be of great significance to maintaining world peace and stability, to the building of a just and fair new international order and to pushing ahead the multi-polarization of the world," Li noted.

Li said that China and Russia are facing the same task of domestic economic development and improving their people's living standards. Internationally, the two countries share views on many major issues. Therefore the two countries have a broad prospect for further cooperation.

Putin praised CPPCC as having played an important role in China 's political life and in the establishment of a new international political and economic order.

The president said Russia hopes to expand trade and enhance exchanges and cooperation with China in all areas, citing the fact that the exchanges between Russian parliament and China's CPPCC has become an important component of the bilateral relations. And such an exchange and cooperation will contribute to the long-term friendly relations between the two countries in the new century.

(Xinhua)