Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao continued negotiations in an extended format
Wen Jiabao (as translated): Welcome, Prime Minister of the Russian Federation.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between China and Russia. The fact that you are visiting China during this special year makes your visit very significant.
Our bilateral relations have been steadily growing during these 60 years. Today, Chinese-Russian relations are becoming even more mature and stable.
I would like to specifically stress that since the establishment of the strategic and close partnership between our countries in 1996, the level of bilateral political trust, strategic coordination, and practical cooperation has continued to grow.
We have moved forward in a very significant way. Our cooperation and strategic coordination effectively contribute to and serve our common interests, as well as have a very positive impact on strengthening peace and promoting development in the world. Chinese-Russian strategic coordination and partnership can serve as a model of a good neighbourly relationship and friendship, as well as an example for relations between great powers.
I am ready to make joint efforts to raise our relationship to a higher level. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Zhukov, Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin, Vice Premiers Wang Qishan, the PRC State Council member Liu Yandun have worked hard to prepare our meeting.
We have just finished a frank and detailed discussion on various key issues during our negotiations in a restricted format; and I am ready now to continue discussing with you all the issues of mutual interest.
Thank you.
Vladimir Putin: Mr Prime Minister, dear friends,
I would like to once again warmly congratulate you on the occasion of a great event for the Chinese people, the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
In the course of these years and particularly during the last several decades, China has achieved extraordinary results. The fact that our delegation's visit has coincided with the 60th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between our countries, makes it especially meaningful.
Over the recent years, we have indeed become strategic partners in the full sense of the word. We have managed to establish trustful cooperation virtually in every sphere, including politics, international relations, military cooperation, and the economy.
The extent of our cooperation is enormous, and it has born the test of the financial and economic crisis.
We are glad to be here with you and to continue the discussion of all issues of mutual interest.
