BEIJING - Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said on Thursday that China and Russia can solve emerging energy cooperation problems through friendly consultation and mutually beneficial cooperation.

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Hong's remarks came in response to reports about payment disputes between PetroChina, China's largest oil and gas producer, and Transneft, Russia's state pipeline operator.

Energy cooperation is an important part of the Sino-Russian strategic partnership of coordination and draws great attention from both sides, said Hong.

The Sino-Russian crude oil pipeline, launched on January 1 this year, runs well and is reliable, according to Hong.

"I believe the two sides can solve the emerging energy cooperation problems through amicable consultation and win-win cooperation," said Hong.