Long-term cooperation

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin began his official visit to China yesterday, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, established shortly after Chairman Mao's proclamation of the founding of the People's Republic.

The visit, however, is expected to be much more substantive than just recalling of fond memories.

Premier Wen Jiabao will meet Putin in their second official meeting this year, before both joining other heads of governments of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), scheduled to meet tomorrow in Beijing.