Russia, China sign cooperation pact

MOSCOW, June 18 (UPI) -- China and Russia formalized their interest in forging a closer relationship Wednesday, signing a five-point statement on mutual cooperation.

The signing came during Chinese President Hu Jintao's three-day state visit to Moscow following the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit and the meeting of representatives of Brazil, Russia, India and China in Yekaterinburg in central Russia, the Chinese news agency Xinhua reported.

Hu and Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev spent time exchanging views on major international and regional issues before reaching a broad consensus, Xinhua said.

With the two countries having worked out their border issues, the two leaders expressed their desire to maintain stability in the region. They also said the countries will work together to develop their energy industries and oppose global trade protectionism.