DUSHANBE, July 29, 2008, Asia-Plus – Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will visit China on August 8-9, a Russian diplomat said on Tuesday.
“Putin is expected to attend several events at the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony and also meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao and Prime Minister Wen Jiabao,” Russia”s Charge d”Affaires in China said.
Igor Morgulov said issues concerning economic cooperation would be discussed during the meeting between Putin and the Chinese leadership.
“The sides will focus on bringing economic and trade relations to the level of existing political ties,” Morgulov said.
The proposal to improve cooperation in trade and the energy sectors was first voiced by Wen Jiabao during the visit of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to China in late May.
Trade between Russia and China is expected to increase from $48 billion in 2007 to around $60 billion in 2008.
The Russian and Chinese governments will hold energy talks in October in Moscow.
