Chinese President Hu Jintao meets with his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow

On May 9, 2010, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow. Both sides exchanged in-depth views on bilateral ties as well as other major issues of common concern and reached a lot of new consensus.

Hu first congratulated the Russian government and people on the 65th anniversary of the victory of the Great Patriotic War over Nazi Germany. He said the celebrations were wonderful and splendid, fully testifying to the strength of the peace-loving Russian people in building their country. Hu said China and Russia shared similar views on the history of World War II, and both sides decided to jointly hold a series of celebrations within the framework of the 65th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. China is ready to work with Russia to ensure that these events are successful and achieve the desired effects.

Medvedev extended warm welcome to President Hu Jintao for attending the ceremony in Moscow marking the 65th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, saying that Hu’s attendance at the celebrations fully demonstrates the great importance the Chinese side attaches to Russia-China strategic cooperative partnership and embodies their profound friendship forged with blood. Medvedev said Russia and China shared similar views on the history of World War II, and the attendance of the two heads of state at the celebrations was of great significance.

President Hu said with the joint efforts of both sides, China-Russia relations have entered a new phase of development with closer coordination in international affairs. China is ready to work with Russia to seize the opportunity, meet challenges and deepen cooperation in an all-round manner so as to push bilateral strategic cooperative partnership to a higher level. both sides should actively enhance the quality and level of economic and trade cooperation, continuously optimize trade mix, standardize trade order and promote cooperation on economy and technology and in key projects. Hu urged both sides to actively deepen energy cooperation and take the opportunity of the implementation of the outline of regional cooperation between Northeast China and the Russian Far East Area and Eastern Siberia, to push cooperation between adjacent regions of the two countries to a new level. He suggested both sides enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges and promote the teaching of Chinese and Russian languages. Both sides should also conduct youth exchanges on a regular basis and implement in earnest the summer camp program that will bring 1,000 Russian middle and primary school students to China. Hu also called for efforts to bring into full play the role of China-Russia Friendship, Peace and Development Committee.

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. 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. He said the two countries have maintained the momentum of high-level visits this year, which fully indicates the high level of bilateral ties. He expressed hope that both sides will continue to keep this momentum in the future. Bilateral cooperation in all areas is advancing constantly, he noted, pointing to smooth development of economic and trade cooperation and remarkable progress of energy cooperation. Russia is 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 Chinese Language" in Russia a success, regarding it as a major task for bilateral cultural cooperation this year. He once again thanked the Chinese side for inviting about 1000 primary and middle school students from Russia to summer camps.

Medvedev congratulated China on the grand opening of the Shanghai World Expo, and expressed expectation to attend Russia's National Pavilion Day at the Expo. President Hu expressed welcome to Medvedev for attending the activities related to the Shanghai World Expo and sincere gratitude to the Russian side for their support of the Expo. He expressed belief that Russia's National Pavilion through its spectacular exhibition will surely enable more people from China and other countries to gain a better understanding of Russia.

Ling Jihua, Wang Huning and Dai Bingguo attended the meeting.