Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao meets with visiting Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Zhukov in Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai in Beijing

On March 27, 2009, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with visiting Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Zhukov in Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai.

Wen said China and Russia had boosted cooperation and communication at multiple levels in recent years and pushed forward their strategic and cooperative partnership, which laid a foundation for cooperation in dealing with the financial crisis and other severe challenges. Wen urged the two sides to implement key cooperative projects in the areas of energy, finance and infrastructure and maintain growth momentum in trade so as to create conditions for the long-term economic development of the two countries. He also suggested both sides well hold the activities to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties and the Years of the Chinese and Russian Languages in a bid to build the understanding and friendship between the two peoples. Wen also called for more coordination in international affairs to safeguard common interest and world peace.

Zhukov said Russia and China had worked to expand and deepen their pragmatic cooperation and strategic coordination, with their energy cooperation making new major developments. The two countries had successfully staged the "Year of Russia" in China in 2006 and the "Year of China" in Russia in 2007. He said he believed the opening ceremony of the "Year of Russian Language" in Beijing today would be a good start for the Years of the Chinese and Russian Languages and brighten up the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of Russia-China diplomatic relations. He believed the Years of the Chinese and Russian Languages would be very successful and play an important role in promoting mutual understanding and traditional friendship between the two peoples as well as the overall development of the strategic and cooperative partnership.

After the discussion, Wen met with the Russian and Chinese students who were scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the "Year of Russian Language" and accompanied them on a visit to the former residence and office of Chinese late Premier Zhou Enlai in Xihuating, Zhongnanhai. Wen Jiabao also took a group photo with the students.

State Councilor Liu Yandong and Minister of Education Zhou Ji attended the meeting.