Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao met Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in Moscow Thursday for talks on boosting bilateral ties and deepening cooperation in various sectors.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (L), accompanied by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, visits a gas company in Moscow, capital of Russia, June 16, 2011. [Rao Aimin/Xinhua]

Hu said China highly values Putin's efforts for the development of China-Russian relationship over the past decade since the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation.

While Russia has blueprinted its strategic development for the next ten years, China is also eyeing the following decade as a key period. The two countries will enjoy new opportunities to deepen the strategic partnership of cooperation, Hu noted.

Hu stressed that China is willing to work with Russia, under the framework of the Treaty, to further enhance strategic mutual trust, enhance mutual support on issues of core interests, enlarge the all-round pragmatic cooperation in various fields, consolidate the long-term friendly ties so as to yield more achievements concerning bilateral ties and bring more benefits to the two peoples.

The Chinese president said, to further promote cooperation in the new decade, both countries should continuously enlarge bilateral trade volume, with the goals of reaching 100 billion U.S. dollars by 2015 and 200 billion dollars in 2020.

The two sides should strengthen collaboration on energy, including nuclear power, coal, electricity, new energy and new technologies, Hu said.

Meanwhile, China and Russia are also expected to see more progress in mutual investment, innovation and high-tech areas, and infrastructure construction in border areas.

Putin agreed that the strategic partnership of cooperation between Russia and China is of great significance, and its healthy development will benefit not only the two nations but also the whole world.

Bilateral trade and investment have surged in recent years, and China has become Russia's largest trading partner, Putin said. He meanwhile expected the trade goals for 2015 and 2020 will further advance bilateral trade.

Hailing the two sides' efforts of exploring new ways of cultural exchange, and the successful launching of "Language Year" in each other's country, Putin also expressed expectation on the setting up of the reciprocal "Tourism Year."

Also, the Russian leader said the two countries' cooperation in such energy as gas and oil will boost the overall development of cooperation.

Earlier in the day, Hu held talks with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. He will then travel to St. Petersburg to attend the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

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