China and Ukraine have vowed to lift their strategic partnership, focusing on expanding their
cooperation in energy and agricultural sectors. The message comes after President Hu Jintao held talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Viktor Yanukovich in Yalta.
The three-day state visit is the first to Ukraine by a Chinese head of state in a decade.
The two countries are expected to sign a declaration outlining a new strategic partnership.
During their talks, President Hu Jintao said the visit will help elevate bilateral relations to a higher level.
Hu said, "China is ready to work with Ukraine to promote bilateral cooperation and exchanges in a comprehensive and extensive way. The main aim of the Chinese government is to establish and develop
China-Ukraine relations, a strategic partnership."
The two leaders are also expected to sign a number of agreements and contracts in the energy sector, the coal industry and the agricultural sector.
Ukraine is rich in coal reserves. Last year's output stood at 75 million tons. The number is expected to reach at least 100-million tons this year.
During the talks, Ukrainian President welcomes expanding cooperation.
Yanukovich said, "It is a very important event for us. Your visit is a milestone for our country and the Ukrainian people."
Bilateral cooperation in the sectors of economy, trade, science and technology has deepened in recent years. Two-way trade between the two countries reached 7.7 billion US dollars last year, following two decades of steady growth.
President Hu Jintao is also due to meet Ukrainian parliamentary speaker Vladimir Litvin and Prime Minister Nikolai Azarov.