Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to discuss the possibility of
extending the Siberia-Pacific coast oil pipeline to China when he meets
President Hu Jintao in Beijing next week, the Russian ambassador said yesterday.
The two leaders will also talk about bilateral trade and energy co-operation
as well as the nuclear disputes involving Iran and the Korean Peninsula, Sergei
Razov said.
President Hu Jintao (R) and visiting Russian
President Vladimir Putin shake hands after the signing of a joint
statement in Beijing in this photo taken in October, 2004.
[newsphoto] |
The ambassador made the remarks at a joint news conference with Assistant
Foreign Minister Li Hui organized by the State Council Information Office in
Beijing.
"Corporations from both countries are conducting pragmatic negotiations on
the construction of a pipeline to carry Siberian oil to China," Razov said.
Russia has decided to build a US$11.5 billion pipeline to be completed by
2008 from Siberia to the Pacific coast to supply Japan and the Republic of
Korea; and is considering a branch to China.
"I think we all agree that a big project like this requires a full and
thorough survey," Razov said. "During President Putin's visit, the two sides
will continue discussions on this matter."
Putin will be on a state visit on March 21-22.
"Given the surging demand of energy prompted by China's rapid economic
growth, Russia would like to increase energy co-operation oil and natural gas in
particular with China," Razov said.