On June 8, 2007, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Heiligendamm, Germany.

 

In March, China and Russia agreed on the guidelines and directions for the development of their strategic partnership in the next decade, which is of great significance to the development of bilateral ties, said Hu, adding that both sides are now working hard on the plans. The two countries are discussing establishing a business chamber on machinery and electronics to boost trade in this area and China will work with Russia in drawing up an overall plan for investment cooperation, Hu said. China encourages Chinese companies to invest in Russia in such industries as infrastructure, processing, manufacturing, high technology, timber and energy, he said, adding China will work to promote cooperation with Russia in revitalizing the old industrial bases in northeastern China and developing Russia's far eastern and Siberian regions. China is also ready to strengthen contacts and communication with Russia on energy, science, technology and humanities, added Hu.

 

Putin, for his part, said China's efforts to implement the consensus reached by both sides demonstrate the great importance the Chinese leadership attaches to bilateral ties. The Russian leadership values relations with China and stands ready to work with the Chinese side to boost bilateral ties, he said.

 

The Russian president hailed the ongoing Year of China in Russia, an event of bilateral exchanges, saying the event is proceeding smoothly and has been well received. Hu thanked for support from Russia for the event, expressing hope that both sides will make joint efforts to ensure the success of the "Year of China". Both leaders also praised media exchanges between the two countries and the activities of "China-Russia friendship tour", saying they serve to deepen the understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

 

The two presidents discussed the upcoming summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Kyrgyzstan, pledging closer coordination and concerted efforts with other SCO member states to make the meeting a success.

 

State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan attended the meeting.