MOSCOW — China and Russia are facing a historic opportunity to link the development strategies of both countries for deeper bilateral cooperation, visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on April 7, after meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.

“Russia is not only a major European country but a great power in the Asia-Pacific region,” Wang said. “As Russia has decided to develop its Far East, China is stepping up its efforts for further opening its west while pursuing an all-round opening up to the outside world. This has brought a rare historic opportunity to link the two countries’ development strategies.”

According to Wang, a major step to grasp the opportunity is to link China’s Silk Road Economic Belt initiative with Russia’s idea of creating a cross-Eurasia passage and speeding up its Far East development, along with more cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union.

“This will not only give new weight to the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership, but also open up new sphere for pragmatic cooperation and inject fresh impetus into the overall development and rejuvenation of Eurasia,” he added.

Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, Russia, on April 7, 2015.[Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks at a press conference in Moscow, Russia, April 7, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]