Chinese, Russian Presidents Meet on Bilateral Cooperation

Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev met here Sunday to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral strategic relations of cooperation and partnership.

Hu is in Moscow for the celebrations marking the 65th anniversary of the victory of the Great Patriotic War over Nazi Germany.

He said the celebrations were wonderful and splendid, fully testifying to the strength of the peace-loving Russian people in building their country.

Medvedev said Russia and China shared similar views on the history of World War II, and the attendance of the two heads of states at the celebrations was of great significance.

President Hu said both sides should promote cooperation in trade and energy, as well as people-to-people and cultural exchanges, adding the two countries should implement in earnest the summer camp program that will bring 1,000 Russian middle and primary school students to China.

Hu brought forward a four-point proposal for boosting China-Russia strategic coordination.

First, both countries should strengthen their coordination and cooperation in the institutionalization of the Group of 20, seek greater say for the two countries in international affairs and uphold their just rights and interests and those of the developing countries.

Second, both countries should keep close communication, and help maintain regional peace and stability.

Third, both sides should enhance cooperation in fighting terrorism, as well as the "three forces," namely extremism, separatism and terrorism.

Fourth, both countries should strengthen coordination and cooperation in such major international issues as climate change and energy security.

Medvedev shared Hu's views on further boosting bilateral relations, adding that Russia is ready to strengthen cooperation with China in economy and trade, science and technology, energy, culture, and regional affairs.

The Russian president said both sides should make joint efforts to make the "Year of Chinese Language" in Russia a success, regarding it as a major task for bilateral cultural cooperation this year.

Medvedev congratulated China over the grand opening of the Shanghai World Expo, and expressed expectation to attend Russia's National Pavilion Day at the Expo.

The meeting was the second between the two leaders in less than a month. Hu and Medvedev met in Brasilia on April 15 on the sidelines of a summit of the BRIC nations--Brazil, Russia, India and China.

(Xinhua News Agency May 9, 2010)