On 24 September 2004, Russian Federation President Vladmir Putin met with the visiting Chinese State Council Premier Wen Jiabao, who was on an official visit to Russia at Kremlin in Moscow. The two sides had an in-depth exchange of opinions on bilateral relations and other regional and international issues of common concern in a friendly, frank and practical atmosphere. Vice Premier Wu Yi also attended the meeting.

Premier Wen said that with the joint effort from both sides, the China-Russia Strategic and Coordination Partnership was under continuous consolidation and strengthening. China considers Russia an important strategic partner for cooperation and would continue to approach the China-Russia relationship from a strategic plane and long-term perspective. The healthy and stable progress of China-Russia relationship borne on the development of our economic and social undertakings and was also of significance to world peace and stability. China hoped that apart from the mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation in the political, security, trade and economic cooperation, investment, energy, science and technology and cultural fields, China and Russia could also step up their coordination and cooperation in regional and international affairs at the same time, for the benefit of both peoples and the peace and development of the world.

On trade and economic ties between the two countries, Premier Wen said that the current Sino-Russian trade was surging at an over 20% annual rate and was well anticipated to reach US$ 20 billion this year. Judged from this basis, our 2010 objective of US$ 60–80 billion would be well within reach. Wen pointed out that bilateral cooperation had immense potentials in the field of energy and China was looking forward to greater cooperation in this area.

Putin said China and Russia were going to welcome a day worthy of celebration, i.e., the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. For the time being, bilateral relationship was progressing smoothly and comprehensively on the basis of the Treaty of Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation between the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation, with rapid growth of bilateral trade and good coordination and cooperation with each other on major international issues on which the two countries had maintained common views. He said that the Russian side would vigorously develop its ties with China from the overall picture of the Strategic Coordination Partnership and the Russian side was looking forward to an expanded bilateral cooperation in the fields of oil, gas and nuclear energy. Energy cooperation was an important integral part of bilateral cooperation and Russia's decision to advance energy cooperation with China remained intact. The Russian side also held that the two countries should gradually improve the trading structure, boost their mutual investment and accelerate the drafting of China-Russia Investment Protection Agreement.

Premier Wen Jiabao conveyed condolence to President Putin and the Russian people on the successive terror attacks and heavy casualty on the part of Russia. Premier Wen reiterated that the Chinese Government and people strongly condemned such atrocious terrorist activities and staunchly support the Russian Government in its efforts to combat terrorism, defend national unity and territorial integrity and safeguard the life and property of its people.

President Putin expressed his gratitude to the Chinese Government and people for their support and assistance when the Russian people were subjected to terror attacks. He held that all those support and assistance stood for sincere friendship of the Chinese people.

Premier Wen forwarded to President Putin warm greetings from President Hu Jintao and said that president Hu was looking forward to President Putin's visit to China in the month to come during which the two presidents would map out important future projects of cooperation together. Wen said he was convinced that the upcoming visit would have far-reaching impact on strengthening the China-Russia cooperation on bilateral and international issues in an all-round way.

President Putin congratulated President Hu Jintao on his election as the Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee and said he was looking forward to discuss new ways and methods to deepen and expand bilateral friendly cooperation with President Hu Jintao.

On the same day, Premier Wen Jiabao also met with the Russian State Duma Chairman Boris Cryzlov and Federation Council Chairman Sergei Mironov. Wen also made a speech to Russians from various social circles (full text to be found separately).

On the morning of 24 September, Premier Wen presented bouquets to the Russian Tomb of Unknown Soldiers.