ST. PETERSBURG, October 21. /TASS/. Cooperation between Moscow and Beijing is based on mutual respect as the two countries protect their common interests and technological sovereignty, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said.

"We are creating new growth opportunities, relying on objective competitive advantages of the economies of Russia and China, continuing the consistent protection of our common interests, and strengthening our industrial and technological sovereignty. Together, we are achieving our goals on the basis of mutual respect, good-neighborliness, and shared benefit," he said at Russia-China talks.

Specifically, "energy cooperation is strategic in its nature," Mishustin said. "We are addressing an increase in bilateral transit shipments. We are expanding the use of the Northern Sea Route as a new transport route of global significance," he added.

"We place special emphasis on interaction in agriculture and on ensuring food security of both Russia and China," the premier noted.