President Hu Jintao is welcomed by Russian Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko (1st R) at the airport.

On June 16, 2009, Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in Moscow for a state visit.

At 22:30, local time, Hu landed at the Vnukovo No.2 airport of Moscow by a special plane and was warmly welcomed by Russian Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko. Hu also attended a welcoming ceremony.

In a written statement delivered upon arrival at the airport, Hu pointed out that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties and is also a year of special significance in the development process of bilateral ties. "At such a historic moment, we are delighted to see that thanks to the unremitting efforts of generations of peoples, China-Russia relations have entered a stage of comprehensive and rapid development and their strategic cooperative partnership has reached an unprecedented level in all aspects including political mutual trust, strategic cooperation, pragmatic cooperation and social exchanges." The concept of peace featuring a friendship from generation to generation set forth in the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation is deeply rooted in the hearts of both peoples, said Hu.

Hu said the current international situation is undergoing complicated and profound changes and the international financial crisis is still spreading. "It is of great significance for the two countries to strengthen cooperation and jointly combat the current difficulties to maintain the sound and steady development," said Hu. He said the Chinese side will work with Russia to comprehensively promote bilateral strategic cooperation, expand substantial cooperation and cultural exchanges, and continuously consolidate the basis of bilateral ties so as to make greater contributions to the well-being of the two peoples and people all over the world.

During the visit, Hu will exchange in-depth views with his Russian counterpart Medvedev, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and other Russian leaders on bilateral ties as well as major international and regional issues of common concern. In Moscow, President Hu is also expected to attend the event marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. Hu said he hoped that this visit will help enhance mutual understanding and trust, push forward the Sino-Russian strategic partnership of cooperation from a new historical starting point.

Hu's entourage including Ling Jihua, Wang Huning and Dai Bingguo arrived by the same plane.

The staff of the Chinese Embassy in Russia also greeted Hu and his delegation at the airport.

The Chinese president flew into the Russian capital from Yekaterinburg, where he attended a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and a meeting of BRIC countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India and China.