A Chinese-Russian committee met in Moscow Wednesday to discuss measures to promote the friendly cooperation between the two countries. 

President Hu Jintao and Russian President Vladimir Putin sent congratulatory messages to the session of the bilateral committee on friendship, peace and development.

Hu said both China and Russia are taking steps to implement the agreements reached between the two sides on furthering bilateral ties.

It requires efforts from all sectors of society to promote the strategic partnership between China and Russia and expand friendly cooperation in various fields, Hu said in his message.

The committee can and should play a bigger role in promoting bilateral exchanges and consolidating the foundation of bilateral ties, Hu said.

In his message, Putin said the committee has been an effective mechanism for exchanges and communication between the two peoples and will do better if it is joined by well-known scientists, educators, entrepreneurs and regional representatives.

The tradition of good neighborly relations should be passed on to the two countries' younger generations, Putin said.

Li Guixian of China, who co-chairs the committee, outlined future work of the committee.

Members of the committee discussed ways to promote the good neighborly ties between the two countries and pledged their efforts to this end.

The committee was established in 1997 under the proposal of the two countries' heads of state with a view to deepening understanding and friendship and promoting the good neighborly cooperation between China and Russia.

(Xinhua News Agency May 26, 2005)