BEIJING, Nov. 10 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu says Chinese President Hu Jintao will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin during the up-coming APEC leaders meeting in Vietnam.

    China and Russia have carried out more than 200 activities and events for the Year of Russia in China. They covered politics, economics and trade, culture, education, media and technology. A Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman said the year of friendship has been unprecedented in the history of bilateral ties.

    Jiang Yu, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said, “We believe, the Year of Russia in China and the Year of China in Russia to be held next year, have increased and will increase the understanding and friendship between people from both sides, deepen bilateral cooperation and is positive for a strategic partnership.”

    The spokeswoman also said, President Hu Jintao's meeting with President Putin at the APEC leaders meeting later this month, will be the fifth time they met this year.

    The Year of Russia has also strengthened bilateral trade and economic ties. Trade volume in 2006 is expected to reach an all time high.

    (Source: CCTV.com)