On the morning of November 6, 2011, Premier Wen Jiabao left Beijing by special plane for Russia's St. Petersburg to attend the 10th Meeting of the Prime Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states. Wen was invited by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

Wen's entourage include Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Director of the National Development and Reform Commission Zhang Ping, Minister of Commerce Chen Deming, Director of the Research Office of the State Council Xie Fuzhan, Deputy Secretary General of the State Council Wang Yongqing, Director of the Premier's Office Xiang Zhaolun and Vice Foreign Minister Cheng Guoping.