On the morning of September 18, 2006, Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), met in Harbin with Chairman of Russia's Federation Council Sergei Mironov, who was here to attend a round table meeting between the Chinese and Russian top legislatures.

Wu made positive comments on bilateral ties. He said in recent years both sides have witnessed frequent high-level visits, increasing political trust and closer strategic cooperation, noting the trade cooperation on big projects has entered a pragmatic stage. He said the activities celebrating the "Year of Russia" in China are being conducted vigorously. China-Russia ties have reached an unprecedented level, he said, noting both sides are delighted to see positive contributions made by the two legislatures to bilateral ties. Enhancing exchanges and cooperation between the two legislatures has helped build up mutual understanding between the two peoples, expand political trust and improve pragmatic cooperation, he said. He added the NPC of China is ready to work with Russia's Federation Council to improve their regular exchange mechanism, promote practical cooperation and push for China-Russia strategic cooperative partnership.

Mironov agreed with Wu's comments and suggestions on bilateral ties and on cooperation between the two legislative bodies. He said the roundtable meeting between the Russian and Chinese top legislative bodies is convened against the backdrop of deepening strategic cooperative partnership and it is also one of the nation-level programs of the "Year of Russia". Its convening shows both sides' sincere aspiration to push for cooperation and will help inject new vitality into the development of bilateral ties, he said. Mironov said the Russian legislature and government would provide support and help for the "Year of China" programs to ensure their success in a bid to cement the humanities foundation of Russia-China friendship and lift bilateral relations to a new height.

Vice-Chairwoman Uyunqimg of the NPC Standing Committee and other officials were present at the meeting.