China, Russia pledge to prioritize bilateral ties

BEIJING - President Hu Jintao and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Tuesday pledged to continue to give priority to the development of bilateral ties.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin during a welcoming ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, June 5, 2012. Putin arrived in Beijing on Tuesday to attend the 12th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). [Photo/Xinhua]

"Mr. President (Putin) and I have agreed to continue treating the development of bilateral relations as a diplomatic priority," Hu said after a closed-door meeting with the Russian leader.

"China-Russia relations have maintained positive, healthy and stable development in recent years through the joint efforts of both sides," Hu said.

During their talk, Hu congratulated Putin on his successful election and welcomed the leader, who is paying a state visit to China and will attend the 12th meeting of the Council of Heads of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) scheduled to be held in Beijing from Wednesday to Thursday.

Putin's current visit is his first to China during his third term as Russian president.

Hu said he is sure that Putin's visit will further promote the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination.

Russia and China share extensive common interests, Putin said, highlighting bilateral cooperation in addressing international affairs.

Putin said the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination has reached an unprecedented level through the efforts of both sides.

Before their meeting, Hu held a welcoming ceremony for Putin at the Great Hall of the People.

Putin is also scheduled to meet with other Chinese leaders, including Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress; Premier Wen Jiabao; Vice President Xi Jinping and Vice Premier Li Keqiang.