2010-09-27 14:01

Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev (R) walks with Chinese President Hu Jintao as they inspect an honour guard during an official welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing September 27, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]

BEIJING - Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev here Monday morning, to discuss ways to enhance bilateral ties and coordination on international affairs.

"This visit is a major event in China-Russia ties of this year, " Hu said during the talks.

Hu said he was convinced that Medvedev's visit will deepen bilateral strategic exchanges and practical cooperation in all areas, and will play an important role in pushing forward the robust growth of bilateral ties.

Noting he had met with President Hu five times this year, Medvedev said the frequent contacts between the two state leaders were conducive to the interests of the two peoples and the state-to-state ties.

The two leaders are scheduled to witness the signing of more than a dozen cooperative documents and attend a completion ceremony of the China-Russia oil pipeline after the talks.

The cooperative documents demonstrated the close cooperation and coordination between the two countries, said Medvedev.

He said he believed the visit can contribute to the further development of the Russia-China relations.

Prior to the talks, Hu hosted a red-carpet welcome ceremony for Medvedev at the Great Hall of the People.

Medvedev will also meet with China's top legislator Wu Bangguo and Premier Wen Jiabao later Monday.

The Russian leader arrived in the northeast port city of Dalian on Sunday, kicking off the three-day visit to China, which was also his second state visit to China since he assumed presidency in May 2008.

He will also travel to Shanghai Monday evening, where he will meet with Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping and attend events marking Russia's National Pavilion Day at the ongoing World Expo.