BEIJING, May 23 (Xinhua) -- President Hu Jintao raised a four-point proposal to further develop the China-Russia strategic partnership during talks with visiting Russian President Dmitry Medvedev here on Friday.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with visiting Russian President Dmitry Medvedev after signing the Sino-Russian joint statement on major international issues in Beijing, capital of China, May 23, 2008. (Xinhua/Fan Rujun)

First, Hu suggested that the two countries further strengthen political mutual trust and support.

The two sides should abide by the principles of the Sino-Russian Good-Neighborly Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, comprehensively carry out the spirit of generation friendship and cooperation, make full use of high-level meetings and consultation systems between officials of the two nations, exchange views on bilateral ties and other key issues of common concern, and continuously support each other on crucial issues such as sovereignty and the integrity of territory, state security, stability and development, Hu said.

Second, Hu said the two should deepen their substantial cooperation. The two nations should steadily expand trade, optimize their trade structure, increase mutual investment, strengthen technical and environmental protection cooperation and cooperation between localities, protect cross-border water resources and promote the development of border areas.

Third, Hu called on the two countries to strengthen cultural cooperation, so as to enhance the friendship between the two peoples. The two sides should give full play to the cultural cooperation committees in the two governments and carry out the relevant activities of the Year of Russia and the Year of China.

Fourth, Hu called for closer strategic coordination in international and regional affairs, such as in the multilateral frameworks including the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, jointly meeting global challenges, and promoting a harmonious world with long-lasting peace and universal prosperity.

Source: Xinhua