On April 1, 2009, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev in London. Both sides reached important consensus on advancing China-Russia strategic cooperative relations, coping with the global financial crisis and enhancing cooperation in international affairs.

"This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, and it is also the 'Year of Russian Language' in China," Hu said. In general, Chinese-Russian ties got off to a good start this year and are gathering momentum for comprehensive and more rapid development, he said. "In today's complex and volatile world when the international financial crisis continues to spread and go deeper, strengthening the Chinese-Russian relationship takes on particular urgency and importance," he said. Hu suggested that both sides focus efforts in the following four aspects. First, both sides should work to ensure the success of high-level exchanges this year and make sure that each meeting will be an important driving force for the development of bilateral ties. Second, both sides should work to ensure the implementation of the existing deals. The two countries should also try to sign the inter-governmental agreement on cooperation in the oil sector at an early date, boost technological and military cooperation and strengthen coordination in dealing with the international financial crisis, he said. Third, both sides should intensify efforts to make events marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the Year of Russian Language in China a big success in a bid to push forward people-to-people and cultural cooperation. Fourth, China and Russia should strengthen mutual support and strategic cooperation in international affairs.

Medvedev agreed with Hu's evaluation of bilateral relations, adding that the frequent high-level exchanges of visits between both sides play an important role in pushing forward bilateral ties. Russia is looking forward to Hu's attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit and his state visit to the country in June. He said in order to advance Russia-China strategic cooperative partnership, Russia will work with China to well hold the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the diplomatic ties, further strengthen cooperation in economy, trade and energy, jointly fight the international financial crisis and strengthen cooperation on international and regional issues.

Hu pointed out that China and Russia should strengthen cooperation to jointly overcome the current difficulties under the complicated and grave conditions of the world economy. The two countries need to strengthen communication and consultation, coordinate their stands within the G20 framework in particular, and push forward reforms of the international financial system, Hu said. The two sides can have in-depth communication and exchanges, through such channels as the bilateral sub-committee on financial cooperation and the dialogue between finance ministers, on maintaining stability of their economic and financial systems and financial markets and coping with the global financial crisis, he said. He also noted that the two sides should strengthen practical cooperation by implementing existing cooperation agreements and pushing forward the major joint projects in natural gas, nuclear energy and other fields.

Hu expressed his appreciation for Russia's consistent support for China on issues concerning Tibet. Medvedev said Russia will, as always, stick to its position in this regard.

Hu said the 2009 SCO summit will be held in Yekaterinburg in mid June. He urged both sides to cooperate closely in preparation of the summit to ensure its success.

Wang Qishan, Ling Jihua, Wang Huning and Dai Bingguo attended the meeting.