BEIJING: President Xi Jinping has called on China and Russia to set an example for international nuclear energy cooperation, contribute more solutions to global energy governance and work together to play a positive role in promoting the world’s sustainable development.
Xi made the call while addressing an online ceremony to launch the construction of bilateral nuclear energy cooperation projects.
Via video link, Xi and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin heard reports from Chinese and Russian company executives about the development of the projects of the Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province, and Xudapu Nuclear Power Plant in Huludao, Liaoning province.
Noting that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between China and Russia, Xi said he and Putin have agreed to advance the higher-level development of bilateral ties in broader fields.
Facing the COVID-19 pandemic and profound changes in the international landscape unseen in a century, the two countries’ firm support for each other and their close and effective coordination have demonstrated the essence of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era, he said.
While highlighting that nuclear energy is a priority for China and Russia in energy cooperation, which has great significance in their bilateral pragmatic partnership and has delivered many results, Xi said the launch of the four power units at the Tianwan and Xudapu nuclear power plants marks a new major landmark achievement in the countries’ nuclear energy cooperation.
He expressed hope that both sides would ensure the safe construction and operation of the projects and set an example for the safe use of nuclear energy worldwide.
Xi underlined the need for both countries to be innovation driven in strengthening scientific and technological cooperation in nuclear energy, and to intensify their cooperation in the basic research and development of key technologies, and to contribute more wisdom to the innovative development of global nuclear energy. He also called for strategic coordination between the two countries to advance the building of a fairer, more equitable, open and balanced global energy governance system that benefits all.
Saying it is a common responsibility for all countries to cope with climate change, Xi stressed the need for China and Russia to develop more low-carbon cooperation projects to help realize global sustainable development goals.
– The Daily Mail-China Daily News exchange item
