China and Russia signed more than a dozen agreements on Monday to boost energy cooperation as leaders of the two countries hailed a deepening strategic partnership.
President Hu Jintao and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev witnessed the signing of 15 commercial deals as well as one on fighting terrorism, separatism and extremism.
One of the key deals was signed by China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and Russia's Transneft over the operation of the oil pipeline that stretches from Skovorodino in eastern Siberia to Daqing in Northeast China.
The Russian section of the pipeline was completed last month, and the two leaders attended the completion ceremony of the Chinese section after their meeting on Monday.
"The two nations should ensure the safe and normal operation of the oil pipeline, and reach the designated amount of oil supply as early as possible," Hu said during the talks. He called the pipeline a "milestone" for energy cooperation between the two countries.
According to contracts signed earlier, Russia is due to supply oil to China through the pipeline, nearly 1,000 km long, from Jan 1 next year with an annual capacity of 15 million tons of oil.
CNPC also signed an agreement with Russia's Gazprom, the world's largest gas producer, to export natural gas to China.
Russia's Itar-Tass News Agency said Russia is planning to launch gas supplies to China in 2015 and to sign commercial contracts before the middle of next year.
Gazprom said that under that agreement it will supply China with 30 billion cubic meters of gas annually for 30 years starting in late 2015. The final deal is expected to be signed next summer, the AFP reported, quoting Gazprom.
Other deals signed include a protocol of memorandum of understanding on coal cooperation and a strategic agreement on peaceful utilization of nuclear energy.
Questions:
1. How many commercial deals were signed?
2. Where does the pipeline start in Siberia?
3. How much gas will Gazprom supply to China annually?
Answers:
1. 15.
2. Skovorodino.
3. 30 billion cubic meters.
(中国日报网英语点津 Helen 编辑)
About the broadcaster:
Lee Hannon is Chief Editor at China Daily with 15-years experience in print and broadcast journalism. Born in England, Lee has traveled extensively around the world as a journalist including four years as a senior editor in Los Angeles. He now lives in Beijing and is happy to move to China and join the China Daily team.