  China’s new leader expected to visit Russia March 9, 2013 - 12:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - China’s new president is expected to visit Russia in his first overseas trip, as Beijing seeks to boost strategic partnership with Moscow, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said on Saturday, March 9, according to RIA Novosti. "China and Russia are each other's biggest neighbors and see each other as a significant opportunity for development and a priority partner for cooperation," Xinhua quoted Yang as saying at the press conference held on the sidelines of the annual parliamentary session. Commenting on the forthcoming visit, Yang said China hopes to “inject new and strong impetus to the growth of the comprehensive strategic partnership" with Russia. China and Russia have expanded their bilateral economic and security cooperation and have pursued parallel policies regarding many global diplomatic issues, including Syria. Xi Jinping, who was named head of China’s ruling Communist Party in November, is due to formally take over from Hu Jintao as national leader next week. China’s new leader is also expected to visit Tanzania, South Africa and the Republic of Congo and attend the fifth leaders' summit of BRICS countries, which will be held in Durban, South Africa, on March 26-27.   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event  The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event.Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party.Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims.Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |
