Putin meets with Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with Chinese President Hu Jintao today to discuss the development of cooperative relations and strategic partnership between the two countries.

Chinese President welcomed Putin's visit and cordially called the Russian Prime Minister "an old friend of the Chinese people," Xinhua reported.

The Russian Prime Minister and the Chinese President at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing today.
Photo: AFP

President Hu remarked that the 16th regular meeting between the Russian Prime Minister and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, which took place yesterday, was practical and effective. "I believe that your visit will further promote the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership and cooperation between China and Russia," the Chinese president said.

In response to Mr. Hu's remarks, the Russian Prime Minister expressed his pleasure at the rapid development of bilateral relations between the two countries, noting that the Chinese President's visit to Russia in June had given new impetus to further strengthen their relationship.

The Russian Prime Minister told Mr. Hu that he and the Chinese Prime Minister reviewed the current cooperation between the two countries in many areas during yesterday's meeting, and both sides jointly outlined plans for future cooperation.

"Before yesterday's meeting, business representatives from our two countries signed a series of cooperation agreements worth more than $7 billion," Prime Minister Putin emphasized. The 59-year-old leader also conveyed greetings from President Dmitry Medvedev to the Chinese president.

President Putin arrived in Beijing yesterday for a two-day official visit, aiming to shape Russia-China relations and further promote cooperation in all areas between the two neighboring countries.

According to VnExpress