Putin says China highly reliable partner

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised China as a highly reliable partner for Russia during his annual question and answer session at the Russian Energy Week forum on Wednesday.

"China is our largest trade and economic partner. Trade turnover between Russia and China is increasing, and will exceed 100 billion U.S. dollars in the first nine months of this year," he said, adding that China remains an extremely reliable trade partner.

Bilateral trade between Russia and China is expected to reach a record high by the end of the year, despite the global economic downturn, he said, noting China is a huge market with growing economic and consumer demand and a strategic partner on a number of major issues.

Putin pointed to positive Russia-China energy cooperation, including on one of the largest liquefied natural gas projects in Russia.

"Russia and China are always able to sit down at the negotiating table and look for mutual solutions," he added, reports Xinhua, a partner of TV BRICS.

Photo:  kremlin.ru