On June 14, 2009, Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in Yekaterinburg, Russia, for the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the meeting of BRIC countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India and China.

At 19:50 local time, Hu's special plane arrived at Yekaterinburg Koltsovo airport. Receiving the Chinese president at the airport were Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexei Borodavkin and other Russian officials.

Ling Jihua, Wang Huning, Dai Bingguo and other accompanying officials arrived by the same plane.

Chinese Ambassador to Russia Liu Guchang, the staff of the Chinese Embassy in Russia and the Chinese Consulate-General in Yekaterinburg, as well as representatives from Chinese-funded institutions also greeted Hu and his delegation at the airport.

At the SCO summit, participating leaders will discuss how to further implement the Treaty on Long-Term Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation between Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, boost regional cooperation in the fields of politics, security, economy, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, work together to tackle the global financial and economic crisis, and promote an early economic recovery in the region. The summit is also aimed at improving people's livelihood in the region, consolidating regional security and stability and pushing for the building of a harmonious region of lasting peace and common prosperity. The participating leaders will exchange in-depth views on how to consolidate solidarity and cooperation, facilitate trade and investment among SCO member states, promote an early economic recovery in the region and safeguard regional security.

Founded in June 2001, the SCO consists of six member countries including China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Mongolia, India, Pakistan and Iran are observers of the organization.

In Yekaterinburg, President Hu will also attend the first formal meeting of BRIC countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India and China. At the BRIC meeting, the leaders of the four countries will discuss the major issues such as the international financial crisis, G20 summit process, reform of the international financial institutions, food and energy security, climate change, and the future development of BRIC dialogue.

After attending the two meetings, Hu Jintao will pay a state visit to Russia from June 16 to 18. Later, he will also pay state visits to Slovakia and Croatia.