Putin Hopes Russia, China Will Agree on Oil, Gas Sales

Russian President Vladimir Putin is hoping that Russia and China will reach agreement on the sale not only of oil, but also of gas.

"I think that we will anyway agree not only on the sale of oil, but also of gas," Putin said at a meeting with members of the Valday international discussion club on Thursday.

This, combined with other steps, will help boost trade between Russia and China from $80 billion to $100 billion in the near future, he said.

Trade will also expand due to growth in the flow of Chinese goods, especially from wide consumption on the Russian market. "Here we will especially not interfere, given the fact that we are now a full-fledged participant in the World Trade Organization," Putin said.

Another push to trade will be the implementation of major projects, one of which is cooperation in the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. "The Tianwan station is working. Our Chinese colleagues are pleased with the first power unit," Putin said, noting that work will continue and its portion will be transferred to Chinese partners.

Russia also intends to continue collaborating with China in aviation and missile technology, he said.