Russian President Departs for ChinaRussian President Vladimir Putin left the Black Sea resort city of Sochi Monday for Beijing on a three-day official visit to China.During his stay in China, Putin will meet with Chinese President Jiang Zemin in the ninth Russian-Chinese summit since 1992. China is the first Asian country to be visited by Putin since he took office as Russian's new head of state in May. Geopolitical issues, international security, trade and bilateral border cooperation are expected to be on the agenda in Putin's talks with Chinese leaders. Observers believe that Putin's visit will further boost the traditional friendship and understanding between the two countries and their peoples, and inject new vigor into their strategic partnership. In an interview with Chinese reporters on the eve of his trip, Putin said the development of relations with China is one of Russia's foreign policy priorities. After China, Putin will travel on to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. |
| People's Daily Online --- http://www.peopledaily.com.cn/english/ |