Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan met with the mayor of Russia's St. Petersburg Valentina Matviyenko and the governor of Germany's Lower Saxony State Christian Wulff respectively Friday.

While meeting with Matviyenko, Zeng made positive remarks on Sino-Russian relations over recent years, saying that bilateral ties have shown good momentum of growth.

"We have seen constant mutual visits by government dignitaries, the enhancement of political mutual trust, and the steady expansion of cooperation of mutual interests," he said. "We have also been keeping close communication and cooperation in international affairs."

Zeng said that China is willing to make joint efforts with Russia to advance ties and strengthen cooperation in energy, investment, economy and trade.

Zeng and Matviyenko also voiced hopes for the cooperation between Shanghai and St. Petersburg. Both sides said they would support and create favorable conditions to push cooperation between the cities.

While meeting with Wulff, Zeng stressed the importance of deepening cooperation between businesses of the two countries.

They also agreed to strengthen cooperation at provincial levels.

(Xinhua News Agency May 14, 2005)