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Chinese, Russian leaders seek enhanced strategic ties

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-05-10 14:22

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

Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin shake hands as they meet in Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow, May 8, 2010. President Hu is in Moscow for celebrations marking the 65th anniversary of the victory of the Great Patriotic War over Nazi Germany. [Xinhua]

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

Full Coverage:  Hu attends V-day celebrations in Russia Related readings:  Russia stages spectacular Victory Day parade   Hu, Putin agree to enhance bilateral strategic ties   Hu: Soviet soldiers' merits in China remembered  Russia remembers WWII dead on Eve of Victory Day

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.

The Chinese president 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.

And 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,  saying that Russia was 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 the 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 voiced his 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.

On Sunday, Hu and other leaders took part in a series of celebrating activities, including a military parade at the Red Square, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, and a banquet hosted by President Medvedev.

The parade, which was accompanied by over 50 Russian and foreign military orchestras, was divided into the military personnel's march, the parade of military armaments on the ground and in the sky.

More than 10,000 personnel, 159 military armaments, 127 aircraft and helicopters participated in the Red Square parade.

On Saturday, Hu called for further strengthening of China-Russia ties while meeting with some Russian soldiers who helped China battle Japanese aggressor troops in the World Anti-Fascist War.

During his meeting with the Russian veterans, Hu said the Chinese people would never forget the Soviet Red Army's contributions to the success of China's Anti-Japanese War.

Many Russian soldiers and citizens sacrificed their lives for the liberation of the Chinese people, he said.

Fighting together against the fascists, the Chinese and Russian people forged a profound friendship, he added.

"The friendship cemented with blood and people's lives lays a solid foundation for the China-Russia strategic relations of cooperation and partnership," Hu said.

Hu also called for a correct view of history, saying the Soviet Union and China's contributions to victory in the World Anti-Fascist War are "ironclad."

The Chinese president returned to Beijing Monday morning after attending the celebrations in Moscow.