Special Report: Premier Wen visits Russia, Kazakhstan, attends SCO meeting

    MOSCOW, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived here on Monday for an official visit aimed at strengthening China's strategic partnership with Russia.

    During his three-day stay here, Wen is scheduled to hold talks with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Chairman of the State Duma, the lower house of Russia's parliament, Boris Gryzlov.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) shakes hands with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexei Borodavkin upon his arrival at the airport in Moscow, capital of Russia, Oct. 27, 2008. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived here on Monday for an official visit aimed at strengthening China's strategic partnership with Russia. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Topics of discussion include regional and international issues and bilateral cooperation in areas such as economy and trade, energy, nuclear power, science and technology, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry official.

    In a written statement delivered upon arrival at the airport, Wen hailed the level of China-Russia strategic and cooperative partnership in recent years as unprecedented.

    The two nations have enjoyed expanding basis for common interests, increasing mutual trust, more fruitful cooperation and closer strategic cooperation in international and regional affairs, he said.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (front L) attends the welcoming ceremony held by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexei Borodavkin upon his arrival at the airport in Moscow, capital of Russia, Oct. 27, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    The continuous development of bilateral strategic and cooperative partnership conforms to the fundamental interests of the two peoples, and is conducive to peace and stability in the region and the world at large, said the Chinese premier.

    He said he will exchange candid views with Putin on major issues concerning substantial bilateral cooperation.

    Wen's meeting with Putin will be the 13th regular talk between the prime ministers of the two countries.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R, front) is greeted upon his arrival at the airport in Moscow, capital of Russia, Oct. 27, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    The Chinese premier said he will also exchange views with Medvedev and parliament leaders on bilateral ties as well as international and regional issues of common concern.

    Wen said he believed this visit will help promote bilateral political mutual trust, deepen their substantial and strategic cooperation, enhance the mutual understanding and traditional friendship between the two peoples, and inject new vigor into the sustained, sound and steady growth of bilateral relationship.

    Russia is the first leg of Wen's two-nation tour, which will also take him to Kazakhstan on Oct. 29.

    In Astana, capital city of Kazakhstan, Wen will attend the 7th prime ministers' meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organization member countries. His visit will end on Oct. 31.