OREANDA-NEWS. April 13, 2011. Dmitry Medvedev and Hu Jintao discussed opportunities for promoting the strategic partnership in trade, economy, energy, and the military technical sector, strengthening cooperation between Russia and China within BRICS and the SCO, and also examined international and regional issues, in particular the situation in the Middle East and North Africa.

Today’s talks are the first meeting between the two presidents in 2011 – an anniversary year in Russian-Chinese relations, as it marks ten years since the two countries signed the fundamental Russian-Chinese Treaty of Good Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation on July 16, 2001.

The meeting took place on the BRICS summit’s sidelines.

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PRESIDENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA HU JINTAO (retranslated): Mr President,

It is a great pleasure to see you once again. First of all, I want to wish you a warm welcome to the third BRICS summit, and also to the opening session of the 2011 Boao Forum for Asia.

"Our countries are strategic partners. I hope that over the coming few days we will take new steps to further advance our relations as good neighbours and partners."

Last year, as I recall well, we met six times and had a substantial exchange of views on relevant issues. I think this did much in general to deepen the strategic partnership and cooperation between our two countries and develop cooperation in all different areas.

This year, I am ready to join my efforts to yours, Mr President, to continue expanding and promoting strong and stable relations between Russia and China.

I give you the floor, Mr President.

PRESIDENT OF RUSSIA DMITRY MEDVEDEV: Mr President,

It is a real pleasure to meet with you again. This is our first meeting this year, and I and my delegation are all very happy to be here on Hainan for the BRICS summit and the economic forum.

Our countries are strategic partners, and this is reflected in the economy of course, and also in our political coordination and discussion of current issues on the international agenda. I hope that over the coming few days we will take new steps to further advance our relations as good neighbours and partners.