BEIJING - Cooperation between the natural gas industries of China and Russia is expected to make great progress, Assistant Foreign Minister Cheng Guoping said Tuesday.

"Related departments and enterprises of the two countries are negotiating based on the principles of mutual benefit and common development," Cheng said during a news briefing.

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"If negotiations go smoothly, China-Russia natural gas cooperation is expected to see great achievements" before Chinese President Hu Jintao pays his state visit to Russia from June 15 to 18, Cheng said.

Cheng said China and Russia have great potential for cooperation in the industry.

"The cooperative initiatives that the two countries are discussing are unprecedented," Cheng said.

"During the negotiations, both parties will have their own standpoints. We believe that companies from both countries will reach agreements based on the principles of friendly consultation and mutual benefit," Cheng said.

Last week, Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin inked a protocol for a Sino-Russian gas cooperation memorandum of understanding.

During Hu's stay in Russia, he will meet with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. Hu will attend the 15th International Economic Forum in St Petersburg and a concert commemorating the 10th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty on Good-neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation, Cheng said.

The leaders will sign a joint statement on the 10th anniversary of the signing of the treaty, as well as a series of cooperative documents, Cheng said.

China hopes that leaders of both countries will jointly plan the direction for the development of bilateral relations over the next decade, Cheng said.

Hu's visit is expected to enhance strategic mutual trust and mutual support on issues concerning core interests and deepen communication on issues of common concern, Cheng said.

Hu will pay state visits to Kazakstan, Russia and Ukraine from June 12 to 20. Hu will also attend the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in the Kazakh capital of Astana.