Foreign and Military Affairs

China, Ukraine to lift partnership during Hu's visit

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-06-07 17:43

BEIJING - China and Ukraine will lift their strategic partnership during Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to Ukraine in mid-June, a Chinese diplomat said on Tuesday.

"The presidents of China and Ukraine will sign a joint communique to comprehensively lift the China-Ukraine strategic partnership," Assistant Foreign Minister Cheng Guoqing said during a press briefing on Tuesday.

Hu will pay a state visit to Ukraine from June 18 to 20, the last leg of his Asia and Europe tour, which will also take him to Kazakhstan and Russia.

During his visit, Hu will hold talks with Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and meet with other Ukrainian leaders, Cheng said.

"Hu's visit is a landmark in China-Ukraine relations," Cheng said, adding that the foreign ministries of both countries are working on the final draft of the joint communique, which will map out future cooperation in politics, economics, security and culture.

Several ministries and businesses from both countries will also sign a series of cooperative deals during Hu's visit, Cheng said.

Hu will visit other parts of Ukraine in addition to Kiev, the capital city, Cheng said.

China-Ukraine relations have developed smoothly since both countries first forged diplomatic ties in 1992, Cheng said, citing political understanding, economic cooperation and consultations on international issues as the foundation of the countries' relationship.

Cheng hailed the frequent exchange of visits between the two countries, mentioning Ukrainian Prime Minister Mikola Azarov's visit to China and Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang's visit to Ukraine in April.