On February 12, 2009, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin held in-depth exchange of views over the phone on bilateral relations and issues of common concern.

Wen said the ongoing unprecedented financial crisis has inflicted a profound impact on the world's economic and political structure, and brought difficulties to the development of China and Russia. As strategic partners for cooperation, China and Russia should enhance coordination and cooperation, which is of important significance not only to the two countries but the world at large, Wen said.

He said China and Russia enjoy firm mutual political trust and have huge potential for cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, energy, science, and technology. The two countries share broad consensus on many major issues including the overhaul of the international financial system, Wen said. “With firm confidence and positive actions, we are sure to overcome the financial crisis,” he said. China is willing to take the opportunity of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations to enhance high-level exchanges with Russia, actively promote cooperation on major projects, successfully hold cultural activities such as the Year of Russian Language in China and the Year of Chinese Language in Russia, and strengthen coordination and cooperation in international affairs in efforts to promote the China-Russia strategic partnership of cooperation to a higher level, Wen said.

Putin said Russia always attaches great importance to the China-Russia strategic partnership of cooperation. In the current situation, Russia is willing to work with China to strengthen high-level exchanges and communication, and promote cooperation in areas such as the economy, trade and energy, Putin said. He said Russia is willing to make joint efforts with China to ensure the success of celebrations for the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the Years of the Chinese and Russian Languages to promote the further development of China-Russia relations.