Special report: Russian President Visits China 

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing,  China, May 24, 2008.  (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Russia will offer more tents and other relief materials to China's quake-hit Sichuan Province, said visiting Russian President Dmitry Medvedev here Saturday.

    Medvedev made the remarks in a meeting with Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping.

    Medvedev has ordered more than 10 Russian aircraft to transport more relief materials to the quake-hit region, including the tents urgently needed by China. Some of the planes were already en route to China, and Russia is ready to provide more support, according to the president.

    Medvedev reiterated the Russian government's and public's sympathy for the casualties and destruction caused by the quake.

    Xi expressed his appreciation and gratitude for Russia's assistance, saying it is a living embodiment of the traditional friendship between the two peoples and the Sino-Russian strategic partnership of cooperation.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (L) meets with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China, May 24, 2008.  (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Xi said Medvedev's visit to China indicated that the development of Sino-Russian relations has entered a new phase, and contacts between the presidents of China and Russia will have far-reaching influence on the growth of bilateral ties.

    China is ready to work with Russia to push forward the Sino-Russian strategic partnership of cooperation, Xi said.

    Medvedev agreed that Russia will make efforts to fulfill the agreements reached during his China tour and expand bilateral cooperation.

    This was the first state visit by Medvedev to China.