China, Russia end final border dispute

cctv.com 10-15-2004 13:26

China and Russia have settled the last of their decades-old border disputes, signing a supplementary agreement regarding the eastern section of their border. The agreement came amid a flurry of others on the first day of Russian President Vladimir Putin's 3-day state visit to China.

The deal highlighted 13 agreements signed after both presidents met late on Thursday. It clears the boundary disputes left over by history, underscoring the neighbors' sincerity in cementing their mutual political trust.

The agreement builds on the 1991 agreement regarding the eastern section of the border between China and the former Soviet Union, and the 1994 agreement on the western section of the border between both countries. And the newly signed agreement serves to further clear the dispute over the 4,300-kilometer border between the two countries.

Hu Jintao said: "The joint declaration represents a settlement of the Sino-Russia border issue. The joint border-which is 4,300 kilometers long-will become a belt of peaceful and friendly cooperation, and help people from the two countries."

China and Russia say the agreement is "balanced and reasonable", as well as a "political win-win" solution. The leaders also say the settlement of the Sino-Russia border issue will offer a reliable guarantee for long-term friendship and good-neighborly co-operation.

Vladimir Putin said: "We have taken the most important political step in regards to border issues between our two states. We have been approaching a resolution to this issue for 40 years."

The agreement indicates China has solved all its border issues with the republics of the former Soviet Union. Now there are no longer any border disputes between China and all of its northern neighbors.

Russia and China are now in open dialogue to discuss cooperation and solve problems. The common goal of economic development is bringing these two neighbors closer than ever. With the signing of these landmark agreements, the two countries have demonstrated to the world their determination to cement the strategic partnership.

Editor:Wang  Source:CCTV.com