China to remain Russia's strategic partner for decades - pres

SKOLKOVO, May 18 (Itar-Tass) - Russia and China will remain strategic
partners for years to come, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said at a
news conference in reply to a Xinhua reporter's query.
"Our relations are excellent, and I hope very much that they will
remain as such within the coming years, for decades," the president said.
"These relations for us are not a momentary factor, not conjuncture, but a
priority for years to come," Medvedev said.
This concerns not only political cooperation, but also economic
relations, he stressed. Reminding reporters that trade between Russia and
China has already reached 60 billion U.S. dollars, Medvedev stressed that
the task facing the two countries is to increase it to 100 billion U.S.
dollars a year.
"I believe that the development of major energy and other projects is
of vital importance. Prospects are excellent, and we must not slack the
pace," the Russian leader stressed.