OREANDA-NEWS. February 18, 2009. Dmitry Medvedev sent a message to the President of the People's Republic of China Hu Jintao on issues of further development of friendly cooperation in the economic sphere.

The message reads, in particular:

“This year is a special one for our countries. It will be the 60th anniversary of the formation of the People’s Republic of China and the establishment of diplomatic relations between our nations. China will hold The Year of Russian Language. All this creates a favourable atmosphere for major new steps in the development of our relations.  

Right now, we feel that our main challenge is to maintain positive momentum in Russian-Chinese economic cooperation. At the same time, we give particular significance to the preparation and implementation of large-scale strategic projects in key areas of our partnership, first and foremost in energy sphere. I am certain that now is the time to minimize the negative affect of the world crisis on our national economies.”

The President of Russia emphasized the need to “promote consultations between OJSC Gazprom and the China National Petroleum Corporation on possible supplies of natural gas and electrical energy from Russia to the PRC.”

Furthermore, the message notes that “cooperation in the area of improving energy efficiency and using renewable, non-traditional and new sources of energy is also a promising direction. In this regard, great significance is given to the issue of constructing a second extension of Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant.”

The message was given by Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Igor Sechin at a meeting with the Premier of the State Council of the PRC Wen Jiabao, which took place on February 17 in Beijing.