At their meeting in the Kremlin, Putin told Zhang that the ties between Russia and China will develop smoothly this year and the two sides will sign a series of important agreements, which will strengthen the foundation for bilateral strategic cooperation.

On the current world situation, Putin stressed that the two countries' common task is to defend the mechanism of maintaining international strategic stability and to keep it intact.

He highly valued the positive and fruitful cooperation in this field in the recent years. He reaffirmed that Russia's stand on this issue is firm and consistent, and Moscow will double its efforts to defend this position.

Zhang, who arrived Moscow Monday for a four-day official visit, said that expanding China-Russia partnership of strategic cooperation in light of the current international situation is of great significance. This not only conforms to the fundamental interests of the two countries and their peoples, but also contributes to regional and global peace and stability.

Zhang highly spoke of Putin's contribution to the development of Sino-Russian relations for his political wisdom and far-sight. He said China is pleased to see that Russia has achieved political stability and fast economic growth under Putin's leadership.

Zhang expressed confidence that Russia, led by Putin, will consolidate political stability, social development and national defense and continue improving the people's life.

(Xinhua 02/22/2001)