China’s new leader expected to visit RussiaMarch 9, 2013 - 12:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - China’s new president is expected to visit Russia in his first overseas trip, as Beijing seeks to boost strategic partnership with Moscow, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said on Saturday, March 9, according to RIA Novosti. "China and Russia are each other's biggest neighbors and see each other as a significant opportunity for development and a priority partner for cooperation," Xinhua quoted Yang as saying at the press conference held on the sidelines of the annual parliamentary session. Commenting on the forthcoming visit, Yang said China hopes to “inject new and strong impetus to the growth of the comprehensive strategic partnership" with Russia. China and Russia have expanded their bilateral economic and security cooperation and have pursued parallel policies regarding many global diplomatic issues, including Syria. Xi Jinping, who was named head of China’s ruling Communist Party in November, is due to formally take over from Hu Jintao as national leader next week. China’s new leader is also expected to visit Tanzania, South Africa and the Republic of Congo and attend the fifth leaders' summit of BRICS countries, which will be held in Durban, South Africa, on March 26-27. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. |