China wants Russia to be crucial player in international energy cooperation

March 20 – Beijing shares the global concern over energy security and supports Russia’s decision to put the issue on the agenda of the St. Petersburg summit of the G8 nations in summer 2006, China’s Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing told Russian journalists.

“The energy problem is among modern global challenges,” he said. “The growth of oil prices on the world markets in the past years has had a negative effect on the global economy, which worries the international community.”

“China calls for putting energy problems at the top of the G8 summit agenda. We hope that concerned parties will work constructively in a businesslike atmosphere and in the spirit of mutual benefit and advantage for ensuring global energy security and stimulating sustainable development,” the Chinese minister said.

“Russia is a leading energy power, and we want it to become a crucial player in international cooperation,” Li Zhaoxing said.