On August 29, 2006, Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi, who chairs the organizing committee of the Chinese side for the Year of Russia and the Year of China, met with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev, who chairs the organizing committee of the Russian side for the Year of Russia and the Year of China, in the Great Hall of the People.

Wu said with the support of the heads of state of the two countries, the Year of Russia, which is being held in China, is progressing smoothly and has staged more than 130 activities. These activities, which promoted the mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples and pushed forward bilateral concrete cooperation in various fields, have played an important role in promoting bilateral relations, Wu said. Wu said China-Russia strategic cooperative partnership has had a momentum of accelerated development and China will continue to work with Russia to make careful arrangements and well complete the remaining activities in the next four months to come. Focus should be put on large state-level programs including a round table meeting of members of the two country's parliaments, the closing ceremony and art performance of the Year of Russia, a Russian national exhibition and the China-Russia investment promotion week to ensure the Year of Russia a great success.

Medvedev said the Year of Russia activities have encouraged bilateral exchanges and cooperation in such fields as culture and education, as well as active communications between localities and people of the two countries and create good conditions for the development of the Russia-China relations. The Year of Russia has achieved its pre-set goal and the Russian side is very satisfied, he said. He also appreciated for China's great support and assistance to this activity, vowing to make joint efforts with the Chinese side to complete the remaining activities.

The two sides also exchanged views on the preparation for the Year of China to be held in Russia in next year, pledging to strengthen bilateral cooperation and coordination, focus on priorities and ensure quality and tangible effect so as to make the activity a success and inject new energy into the development of China-Russia strategic partnership of cooperation.

As for the water pollution case of Mangniu River, a Songhua River tributary, in northeast China's Jilin Province, Wu briefed the guest on the latest situation. She said the Chinese government attaches high importance to the case and relevant departments are taking measures to handle it. According to the latest inspection, the Songhua River, which flows through the two countries, is not polluted. China understands Russia's concern, and will as always inform the Russian side of the latest situation in a cooperative, open and responsible manner, Wu said, adding China will continue to take measures to clean up the pollution.

Medvedev expressed appreciation of the Chinese government for informing the Russian side and taking effective measures to control the pollution. He said the Russian side is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with the Chinese side in this regard.