Chinese, Russian presidents hold talks

cctv.com 10-15-2004 09:07

Russian President Vladimir Putin continues his three-day visit to China. Putin met with Chinese leader Hu Jintao on Thursday at the Great Hall of the People, where both expressed a wish to strengthen Sino-Russian ties. The Russian state visit was timed to coincide with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In a friendly atmosphere, Putin began his third visit to China. Putin was received by his Chinese counterpart, Hu Jintao, at the Great Hall of the People Thursday afternoon. The Russian President's state visit to Beijing is the first for his second term in office.

The two presidents shared the view that strategic cooperation and political mutual trust have brought pragmatic benefits for the two peoples. They endorsed the friendly relations between the two neighbors that have contributed to regional stability and world peace.

The Chinese president put forward 4 principles to further the strategic partnership. First, the two countries should respect each other's stance and policies on issues related to sovereignty and territorial integrity. Second, China and Russia should accelerate cooperation in large-scale projects. Third, the two giants should support the UN's role in international affairs. And fourth, the two neighbors should expand contacts to lay a solid foundation for friendship for future generations.

As a crucial part of the Sino-Russian strategic partnership, energy cooperation in the spotlight because of Putin's visit. The Russian President reiterated Russia's unchanged policy to conduct energy cooperation with China.

Meanwhile, he noted Russia's support for the "One China" policy and opposition to any move to separate Taiwan from the Chinese mainland. The Russian President denied any chance his country would sell weapons to Taiwan.

After signing a Sino-Russian Joint Communique, the two governments approved a number of documents, including the Action Plan for Sino-Russian Good Neighborliness, the Supplementary Agreement for the Sino-Russian Eastern Border, and the Agreement on Russia's Accession to the WTO.

Russia and China are now in open dialogue to discuss cooperation and solve problems. The common goal of economic development is bringing these two neighbors closer than ever.

With the signing of these landmark agreements, the two countries have demonstrated to the world their determination to cement the strategic partnership.

Editor:Wang  Source:CCTV.com