Chinese, Russian Presidents Confer Over PhonePresident Jiang Zemin and Russian President Vladimir Putin made a phone conversation Thursday afternoon, in which the two heads of state exchanged views on China-Russia relations and international issues of common concern.Both sides expressed satisfaction with the two countries' recent cooperation in various fields and agreed to push forward the development of China-Russia strategic partnership of cooperation in the new century. Jiang on Sino-Russian Relations President Jiang Zemin described this year as "an unusual year" for Sino-Russian relations. Jiang said that the two heads of state next month will meet in Dushanbe, capital of Tajikistan, and Beijing, respectively, during which they will have an extensive and in-depth exchange of views on all issues of common concern. He said that China and Russia, as big countries and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, are highly responsible in safeguarding international peace and security. The mutual trust and close cooperation between the two countries are in the fundamental interest of the two countries and conducive to world peace and stability, Jiang said. Putin: Russia-China Relations Important Putin told President Jiang Zemin that Russia-China relations are very important and Russia is willing to further develop its strategic partnership of cooperation with China. Putin said that Russia is ready to enhance coordination and cooperation with China on major issues concerning international strategic stability and international security. He said he looked forward to meeting Jiang in the Tajikistan Capital, Dushanbe, during the five-nation summit meeting of China, Russia, Kazakstan, Kyrgyz and Tajikistan, and again during his visit to China in mid-July. |
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