Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao
Before the meeting, Mr Putin was officially welcomed by Mr Wen at the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:
Wen Jiabao (as translated): Mr Putin, we have been friends for a long time. I have visited your country many times, and now you are visiting mine.
Our meeting is taking place as we both try to resist the global financial crisis. Also, we are celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries.
This meeting is a good opportunity to exchange opinions on important bilateral issues.
Since our countries have developed fruitful strategic cooperation, we can openly and frankly discuss many key issues. Our aides and ministers have carried out all the necessary preparation.
I am confident that we will have a productive conversation today.
I am also confident that your visit to China will be a great success. Together we will let the whole world know that our two countries have successfully developed bilateral relations.
Vladimir Putin: Thank you, my colleague and friend, Mr Wen, both for the invitation and the opportunity to visit China one more time. Together we will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China and 60 years of diplomatic relations between our countries.
China has become a powerful industrial state and holds a position of status in the world. We are celebrating our success together with our Chinese friends.
