Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (R) shakes hands with Wu Bangguo, chairmanof the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China,in Moscow, capital of Russia, May 13, 2009. [Li Tao/Xinhua]

He said the two countries should also strengthen cooperation in areas including economy, trade, energy and investment. And he added the two sides should earnestly carry out the cooperation agreements they have already signed.

Medvedev said Russia places importance on expanding relations with China. He added that Russia is ready to deepen mutual trust and expand cooperation with China in various fields.

Medvedev also said that, amid the current situation, strengthening cooperation between Russia and China is not only conducive to the development of both countries but also for the resumption of the world economy. And he said it is also conducive to the establishment of a new, just and rational international political and economy system.

The two leaders stressed the importance of parliamentary exchanges between the two countries. They said the exchanges reflect the high level of development of the China-Russia partnership of strategic cooperation.

Wu Bangguo also met with Sergei Mironov, the chairman of Russia's Federation Council, the upper house of parliament.

They attended the third meeting of the cooperation committee between the NPC and the Federation Council.

Wu Bangguo hailed the relations between the two parliaments. He said priority should be given to strengthening mutual beneficial cooperation, jointly tackling the financial crisis and facilitating steady economic growth.

He noted that cooperation should be strengthened in three areas. First the two sides should strengthen mutual support and deepen political mutual trust.

Second, they should boost pragmatic cooperation and mutual development and promote and approve important cooperation agreements signed between the two countries.

Third, the two should facilitate regional cooperation and inject new vigor into the cooperation.

Mironov praised the Russia-China strategic partnership of cooperation.

He said the Federation Council fully supports the Russian government's efforts to develop friendly cooperation with China.

And it is also ready to take part in activities to mark the 60th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties as well as activities related to the language theme years.

Russia is the first leg of Wu's three-nation Europe tour, which will also take him to Austria and Italy.

(CCTV May 15, 2009)