Putin to visit China on March 21

BEIJING, Mar 9 (Reuters) Russian President Vladimir Putin will make a state visit to China from March 21, with meetings expected to focus on energy deals and consolidating bilateral cooperation, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said today.

''The two sides will sign a series of agreements on cooperation ... including energy cooperation, which is an important element in our mutual cooperation,'' ministry spokesman Qin Gang told a regular news conference.

Relations between Beijing and Moscow, once bitter rivals for influence in the Communist world, have warmed in recent years.

Putin's two-day visit marks the launch of a ''Year of Russia'' in China, with a series of cultural programmes and visits by Russian officials and business groups designed to cement ties.

Chinese President Hu Jintao has worked hard to cultivate Putin, visiting Russia three times since becoming leader in 2003.

Chinese officials are especially keen to secure access to Russian oil and gas reserves. Beijing and Tokyo are vying for privileged access to planned energy networks in Russian Siberia.

Last year, Sino-Russian trade grew to more than 29.1 billion dollars, according to Chinese customs figures -- 37.1 per cent higher than 2004. In 2005 the two countries also held joint military exercises on China's coast, and Beijing has been a major buyer of Russian military hardware.

Putin's visit may also coincide with a crucial phase in the Iranian nuclear stand-off.

Russia and China are permanent members of the UN Security Council, and both have resisted possible UN sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme.

As well as meeting Hu, Putin is set to hold talks with Premier Wen Jiabao and parliamentary chief Wu Bangguo, the ministry spokesman said.

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