Hu meets main leaders

Time : 2010-05-10

PRESIDENT Hu Jintao and Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev met in Moscow yesterday to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral ties.

Medvedev, flanked by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and the head of Russia's Security Council, Nikolai Patrushev, held talks with Hu after a Red Square parade to mark World War II victory.

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 of China, Brazil, Russia and India.

The Chinese and Russian leaders discussed bilateral cooperation and important world and regional issues of common interest.

Chinese-Russian strategic relations made important headway last year with activities marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties and the "Year of Russian Language" in China.

Since the beginning of 2010, the partnership has maintained rapid growth.

During his meeting with Medvedev yesterday, Hu said both sides should promote cooperation in trade and energy, as well as people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

Hu said the two countries should increase mutual support on a range of issues.

Yesterday Hu also met Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

During Hu's two-day visit to Russia, Putin held several hours of talks with the Chinese president, including talks and dinner at his country retreat on Saturday night, Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov said yesterday.

Putin's right-hand man Igor Sechin, who is responsible for energy affairs, was present for part of the talks.