Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures during a news conference in Kremlin, Moscow Feb. 1, 2007. (Xinhua Photo/Shen Bohan)  Photo Gallery >>>

    MOSCOW, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the Year of Russia and Year of China held in each other's country on Thursday, saying the events will serve to boost exchanges and contact between the two countries.

    The Year of Russia in China and the Year of China in Russia can strengthen direct contact and deepen the understanding of prospects for closer cooperation between the two countries in science, education and culture, Putin told a crowd of more than 1,200 Russian and foreign journalists attending his annual press conference in the Kremlin.

    These events bring the two peoples closer and increase the level of mutual trust between the two countries, he said.

    "Russians have always been very interested in China and its great culture," Putin said.

    "I have no doubt that our Chinese friends will be able to organize the Year of China in Russia at the highest level," he said, pledging at the same time that Russia will guarantee the best conditions for the event.

    "Our political relations are developing well. We mutually promote growth in the economic area and complement each other in many industries," the president said, adding such cooperation should continue in the future.

    Speaking of new spheres of cooperation, Putin said Russia and China should develop links in investment and civil and military hi-tech areas.