Foreign and Military Affairs

Hu calls for efforts to advance Sino-Russian ties

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-06-04 19:58

BEIJING - Chinese President Hu Jintao on Friday called on the foreign affairs departments of China and Russia to strengthen coordination and cooperation in order to advance the comprehensive development of bilateral ties.

The world situation was changing, and the foundation for the recovery of world economy was still fragile, Hu told Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov who was in Beijing for a one-day visit.

New issues and problems were emerging, Hu said during the meeting at the Great Hall of the People in downtown Beijing.

The foreign affairs departments of both countries should layout a well-prepared and result-oriented plan for high-level exchanges, promote cooperation in such sectors as trade and economy, energy, people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges as well as exchanges and cooperation at local levels between the two countries.

Hu also stressed coordination and exchanges of views on major and sensitive issues in bilateral, regional and multilateral affairs so as to promote the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination.

Lavrov conveyed greetings from President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to President Hu, saying Hu's visit to Moscow in May contributed to the success of the celebration activities on the 65th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War.

President Medvedev was anticipating his visit to China in the latter half of the year, and Russia would strengthen coordination and cooperation with China in order to promote the strategic partnership, Lavrov said.

Before the meeting, Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met with Lavrov, who will return to Russia late Friday.

Dai said the importance and urgency of deepening the bilateral ties was becoming increasingly prominent, as the international situation was undergoing complicated and profound changes.

China was committed to continuously deepening and enriching the bilateral ties, and enhancing bilateral strategic coordination and pragmatic cooperation, so as to achieve common development, he said.

China believed the two countries would develop more overlapping interests, and the prospects of the bilateral relationship would become more promising, Dai said.

Lavrov hoped the two countries would succeed in important bilateral events, so as to ensure a closer relationship.

Russia and China should coordinate closely at the international stage, and work together to promote multi-polarization in the world.