On November 20, 2004, Chinese President Hu Jintao, who is attending APEC's 12th informal leadership meeting in the Chilean capital of Santiago, met with Russian President Putin. Both sides exchanged views on China-Russia relations and international and regional issues of common interest and reached broad consensus.

Hu Jinato said that President Putin's recent visit to China has achieved important results. We reached many consensuses on the principle of further developing bilateral relations and issues of common concern, which is of guiding significance to the long-term and stable development of China-Russia strategic partnership. He said that the China-Russia relations develop well this year. In the political aspect, the two countries solved the border problem completely, turning the border between China and Russia into a bridge for further neighborly friendship. We also successfully celebrated the 55th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties and held China-Russia youth friendship events. All these are helpful to enhance the trust and friendship between the people of the two countries. In the economic and trade aspect, the bilateral trade volume is expected to exceed US$20 billion. In the aspect of overall bilateral relations, we have ratified the Implementation Guidelines of the Sino-Russian Treaty of Good-neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation and made overall plans for bilateral cooperation in the 4 years to come. These achievements are the results of our common efforts.

Hu Jintao said that in 2005, we should earnestly follow up the consensuses we have reached and keep the good momentum of bilateral relationship development. To this end the following work should be done well: first, to continue high-level exchanges of visit; second, to conscientiously follow up the Implementation Guidelines of the Treaty and both parties can hold special consultations in this regard; third, to improve the efficiency of the bilateral cooperative mechanism and try to make some breakthrough in the priority cooperative areas; fourth, to strengthen communications and consultations in international affairs.

Putin expressed great pleasure to meet with President Hu again and said that he missed the days during his visit to China over a month before. In recent period, positive results have been achieved between Russia and China in the exchanges and cooperation in political, economic and cultural fields. The Implementation Guidelines of the Sino-Russian Treaty of Good-neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation ratified by both countries is very important to further develop the bilateral relations. Both countries should step up efforts to reach all the objectives as stated in the Guidelines. The results obtained in Russia-China cooperation are of far-reaching influence, laying a foundation for both countries to expand cooperation. The complete solution of border issue eliminates the possibility of new disputes and Russia will work with China to push forward follow-up activities. Russia is pleased about the smooth development of the bilateral trade and will work with China to successfully hold the cultural year events expected by people of the two countries.

When talking about international and regional issues, both heads of state agreed that the Iranian nuclear issue should be resolved in the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). They hold the opinion that the international community should actively support the peaceful reconstruction process in Afghanistan. They noted that they will vigorously uphold the stability and development in central Asia and stressed that they will work with other parties concerned to push for a new round of six-party talks on the Korean Peninsular nuclear issue as early as possible.