China, Russia pledge closer security co-op

BEIJING - China and Russia pledged to deepen security cooperation during a Wednesday meeting between State Councilor Dai Bingguo and Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev.

Dai and Patrushev held in-depth discussions on China-Russia relations, as well as the current international and regional situation, according a press release issued for the eighth China-Russia strategic security consultation.

"Both countries should maintain frequent high-level interactions and deepen pragmatic cooperation," the release said.

The two sides pledged to support each other's efforts to pursue development in accordance with respective domestic situations and to properly handle domestic affairs.

Both sides will support each other's efforts to safeguard sovereignty, security and development interests, the officials said.

Both countries should strengthen strategic coordination on major international and regional issues, uphold the principles of equity and justice, safeguard mutual interests and maintain close communication, coordination and cooperation, they said.

Both sides also pledged to further improve the China-Russia strategic security consultation mechanism and make new contributions to the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.