(CNN) -- China's President Xi Jinping's choice of Moscow as his first foreign capital visit is being seen by analysts as a symbolic move that demonstrates the increasing interdependence of the one-time Cold War foes. From energy deals, trade and geo-politics, China and Russia have been in lock-step over a range of thorny international issues such as Syria, Iran and North Korea. A key element of the talks will be how to steer the future of the increasingly intertwined economies. Trade between Moscow and Beijing grew 11.6% to a record $88.1 billion in 2012, according to figures from the China Institute of International Relations.
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Xi Jinping to make first foreign visit to Moscow on Saturday
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The choice is symbolic and demonstrates warming ties between the two countries
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Trade between the two countries reached $88.1 billion in 2012
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Officials hope Moscow and Beijing will ink long-stalled pipeline project
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