Russian Deputy Prime Minister IgorSechin will visit China on July 26 and 27 to discuss the launch of anenergy resources negotiation mechanism, Chinese Foreign Ministryspokesman Liu Jianchao announced on Thursday at a regular pressconference.

    "The significant mechanism will map out energy resourcescooperation between China and Russia and is valued by the leaders ofboth countries," Liu said.

    He said the launch of such a mechanism was an importantarrangement according to the consensus by the leaders of the twocountries and was also a component in Sino-Russian strategic andcooperative partnership.

    Sechin will visit at the invitation of Vice Premier Wang Qishan,and they will co-chair the energy resources negotiation.

    China was looking forward to Sechin's visit and the talksinitiating the mechanism, said the spokesman.